By Abdullahi Tukur
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 10,500 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to the Kebbi State Government to strengthen treatment for children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) across 11 local government areas identified as the most affected by malnutrition.
Speaking during the rollout of the intervention in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Sokoto, represented by the Nutrition Officer, Alhaji Isah Ibrahim, described the intervention as a timely response to the growing challenge of child malnutrition in the state.
UNICEF Raises Concern Over Child Malnutrition
According to him, the programme is aimed at saving the lives of thousands of children under the age of five battling severe acute malnutrition in affected communities.
He disclosed that findings from the 2025 SMART Survey and IPC-AMN analysis revealed that Kebbi State recorded a stunting rate of 40.9 per cent and a wasting rate of 11.3 per cent.
He further stated that projections indicate approximately 130,000 children under the age of five could suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition in 2026 if urgent and sustained interventions are not implemented.
61 Health Centres Selected for First Phase
Alhaji Isah Ibrahim explained that 61 Primary Health Care Centres across the 11 most affected local government areas have been selected to implement the first phase of the programme.
According to him, the 10,500 cartons of RUTF already delivered will provide immediate treatment for thousands of vulnerable children and contribute significantly to reducing child mortality associated with malnutrition.
He stressed the importance of accountability, proper monitoring, and sustained government commitment, warning that the therapeutic food must reach only the intended beneficiaries.
He emphasized that the supplies are strictly meant for children diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition and should not be diverted.
Kebbi Government Commends UNICEF Support
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Noma, commended UNICEF for its continued support to the health sector.
He described RUTF as a proven life-saving intervention capable of restoring the health of malnourished children and improving nutrition outcomes across the state.
Governor Nasir Idris, while receiving the donation, expressed appreciation to UNICEF for the humanitarian intervention.
The Governor noted that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, nutrition, education, water and sanitation services, as well as food security across Kebbi State.
Governor Idris Pledges Continued Support
Governor Idris reaffirmed the readiness of his administration to provide the necessary counterpart support to expand the programme and strengthen efforts aimed at eliminating child malnutrition.
He also commended health workers for their dedication and directed security agencies to take firm action against anyone found diverting or illegally selling the therapeutic food.
The Bureau Journal reports that the intervention is expected to boost ongoing efforts to reduce malnutrition rates and improve child survival outcomes across Kebbi State.
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