Jigawa First Lady Raises Alarm Over Diversion of Child Nutrition Aid
Jigawa State First Lady Calls for Community Action Against RUTF Diversion
DUTSE, Jigawa State — Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, the First Lady of Jigawa State, has urged immediate community action to address the illegal diversion and sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a crucial treatment for severely malnourished children. Her plea came during a meeting with a joint delegation from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Orientation Agency at the Government House.
Hajiya Hadiza expressed her distress over the illicit trade of RUTF, which the state government, alongside partners like UNICEF, has procured in significant quantities to aid ailing children. She highlighted that some of these essential supplies are reportedly being sold in local markets, shops, and homes.
“RUTF is not ordinary food; it is a medical nutritional therapy specifically designed to save lives,” she said. “It is meant strictly for vulnerable children and must remain free. When diverted or sold, a child’s chance of survival is compromised.”
Health experts note that a single carton of RUTF is sufficient to complete the treatment for one severely malnourished child. Nigeria, particularly the North-West region, continues to grapple with high rates of child malnutrition, underscoring the critical need to protect these vital supplies.
Hajiya Hadiza called on mothers, fathers, community leaders, health workers, and traders to report any instances of illegal sales or purchases of RUTF. “No mother deserves to lose a child because help meant for them was stolen,” she emphasized.
Ahmed Tijjani Ibrahim, Director of the National Orientation Agency in Jigawa State, noted that the meeting was part of a joint advocacy campaign with UNICEF aimed at mobilizing public support against the diversion and vandalism of RUTF supplies. He commended Governor Umar Namadi for his support in public enlightenment initiatives aimed at ensuring government resources reach those in need.
Authorities stress that safeguarding RUTF is essential to reducing child mortality rates and achieving national health objectives. Stakeholders agree that community vigilance, accountability, and public awareness are vital for ensuring that critical nutritional support reaches the children who need it most.
