The Kano State Government has issued a warning to nutrition coordinators against stealing, selling, or misdirecting therapeutic food designated for malnourished children. The state has stated that anyone found guilty of such actions will face arrest and prosecution.
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Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the Commissioner for Health in Kano, delivered this warning during a meeting that concluded the MIYCN and MMS programme managed by the FHI 360 Alive and Thrive Nigeria Project.
The meeting assessed the programme’s outcomes and discussed the state’s plans following the conclusion of the project activities.
Dr. Yusuf emphasized that the state will not tolerate any actions that undermine efforts to enhance the health of mothers, children, and adolescents. He highlighted that security agencies are closely monitoring the distribution process.
“I want to make it clear that security agencies are keeping a close eye on all activities. Any Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) that goes missing will have repercussions. Ensure that you do not collaborate with anyone to misdirect these supplements. They are intended exclusively for malnourished children,” he stated.
The commissioner also mentioned that the RUTF supplies are valued at N1 billion. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf allocated N500 million, with UNICEF contributing an additional N500 million to procure the supplements, which are expected to last for several months.
Dr. Yusuf noted that these supplies and support from other partners aim to reduce malnutrition and alleviate anaemia in pregnant women throughout the state.