# Children Stunted in Akwa Ibom

> One in four children under five in Akwa Ibom state are stunted, survey shows.
- Title: Children Stunted in Akwa Ibom · Premium Times Nigeria
- Summary: One in four children under five in Akwa Ibom state are stunted, survey shows. A national survey found 24.1% of children under five in Akwa Ibom are stunted…
- Keywords: akwa ibom, stunting, children under five, nutrition committees, unicef, national policy on food and nutrition, local government areas, news, politics, Children, Stunted, Akwa
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/917468-one-in-four-children-under-five-stunted-in-akwa-ibom-survey-shows.html
- Author: Ekemini Simon
- Published: 2026-10-15T22:17:04+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: akwa ibom, stunting, children under five, nutrition committees, unicef, national policy on food and nutrition, local government areas, news, politics
## Survey reveals stunting crisis
A national survey found 24.1 per cent of children under five in Akwa Ibom are stunted.
## State response to malnutrition
The state is establishing nutrition committees across all 31 local government areas to tackle chronic malnutrition.
## National stunting rate
Nationally, 40 per cent of children under five are stunted, according to the survey.
## Stunting definition
Stunting occurs when children are too short for their age due to chronic undernutrition.
## Health impacts of stunting
It can impair physical growth and brain development, undermine learning and affect productivity in adulthood.
## Committee inauguration
The committees were highlighted during the inauguration in Uyo on Tuesday.
## UNICEF specialist comment
UNICEF’s nutrition specialist Oluniyi Oyedokun said the state’s stunting burden requires coordinated action.
## Critical period for growth
Stunting is linked to inadequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
## Long-term consequences
Prolonged nutritional deprivation can have lasting consequences for children’s health and development.
## Risks for stunted children
Stunted children face increased risk of impaired cognitive development, poor school performance, frequent illnesses and reduced productivity.
## Committee purpose
The committees aim to bring interventions closer to communities and strengthen implementation of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition.
## Cross-sector collaboration
He called for collaboration among health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation sectors to tackle malnutrition.
## State government commitment
The Akwa Ibom State Government said the committees would coordinate, monitor and implement nutrition interventions.
## Alignment with state agenda
The committees align with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda prioritising human capital development and a healthy population.
## Expected outcomes
The committees are expected to improve coordination among agencies in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition at the grassroots.
## Key takeaway

A national survey found 24.1% of children under five in Akwa Ibom are stunted, prompting state nutrition committees across 31 local government areas.