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| Image: Some malnutrished children at a health facility in Jigawa |
By Aisha Saleh
The Jigawa State Government has issued a stern warning to health workers against diverting Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) meant for malnourished children.
It could be recalled that,
UNICEF and Jigawa state government has been working collaboratively to combat malnutrition by providing RUTF to treat children with severe case of malnutrition across the 27 Local Government areas in the State.
In July 2024, UNICEF handed over 12,400 cartons of RUTF to the Jigawa State Government, which is expected to treat 14,000 children.
Record shows that in Nigeria, over 9 million children are wasted, and Jigawa State faces a high burden of malnutrition, with 64% of children stunted and 9.6% wasted.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abdullahi Kainuwa, made the warning during an interactive session with Journalists in a special program held at Sawaba Radio.
Dr. Kainuwa who confirmed that some health workers have been arrested for allegedly selling RUTF purchased by the Jigawa government for distribution to vulnerable children said the case is currently before the police in the state.
The commissioner warned that anyone found diverting RUTF would face consequences, stating, "Whoever found diverting the product do so at his own risk." He emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that RUTF reaches the intended beneficiaries.
He cautioned that the diversion of RUTF can have devastating consequences, including increased mortality rates among children under five.
Dr. Kainuwa revealed that the incumbent administration of governor Umar Namadi has taken steps to address malnutrition, including procuring RUTF and implementing community-based nutrition programs.
"The Jigawa state government has also partnered with UNICEF to improve nutrition and health outcomes for women and children," he stated.
Accordingly, the state Commissioner of health highlighted that "Jigawa State Government has shown remarkable leadership in nutrition, health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) through consistent fund releases and quality service delivery. The state's innovative Masaki Nutrition Programme focuses on malnutrition prevention, with 300 community sites fully funded by the government."
However, Dr. Kainuwa urges health workers in the state to prioritize the well-being of malnourished children and refrain from diverting RUTF commodities meant for treating children with severe acute malnutrition.
He also encouraged public to report any cases of RUTF diversion to the authorities.
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