Ibrahim Ibrahim
The Jigawa State Government JGSG has issued a strong warning against the diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), calling on the public to report any such cases to relevant authorities.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salisu Kainuwa, made this known while addressing journalists in Dutse.
He disclosed that some health workers have already been apprehended by the police for allegedly selling RUTF meant for distribution to vulnerable children.
“Anyone found diverting this life-saving commodity does so at their own risk,” Dr. Kainuwa warned.
He emphasized that the government remains fully committed to ensuring that RUTF reaches its intended beneficiaries—children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
He cautioned that the diversion of RUTF could have devastating effects, including increased mortality rates among children under the age of five. “This is not just theft; it’s a matter of life and death for our children,” he stressed.
The Commissioner noted that , state Government has taken steps to tackle malnutrition, including the procurement of RUTF and the implementation of community-based nutrition initiatives.
Jigawa State Government Hands Over 500M RUTF To UNICEF
“The Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, is working to improve nutrition and health outcomes for women and children,” he noted.
Dr. Kainuwa also commended the state’s innovative approach through the Masaki Nutrition Programme, which focuses on malnutrition prevention.
The programme currently operates 300 fully government-funded community sites across the state.
“Jigawa has shown remarkable leadership in the areas of nutrition, health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) through consistent funding and quality service delivery,” he added.
Over 50% of children under 5 suffer from stunting in Gombe-UNICEF
He urged health workers to uphold professional ethics and prioritize the well-being of malnourished children. He reiterated his call to the public to remain vigilant and report any cases of RUTF diversion to the authorities.
Jigawa State continues to battle a high burden of malnutrition, with 64% of children stunted and 9.6% wasted, according to official data.