The Jigawa State First Lady, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, has raised concern over the increasing diversion and sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) meant for the treatment of severely malnourished children in the state.
She made the observation while receiving the Jigawa State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Dutse.
Mrs. Namadi explained that the RUTF is a critical medical nutrition supplied by the state government and development partners to treat children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
According to her, the product meant to save vulnerable children is being diverted and sold in markets, shops and even in homes.
She stressed that the therapeutic food is not an ordinary meal but a lifesaving medical intervention that must remain free and available for children who urgently need it.
The First Lady therefore called on mothers, community leaders and other stakeholders to join efforts to end the illegal diversion and sale of the commodity.
She urged residents to report anyone involved in the practice, saying that such actions could deprive malnourished children of the treatment required to save their lives.
Hajiya Namadi also warned that continued diversion of the product could discourage development partners from sustaining their support to the state.
Earlier, the Jigawa State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibrahim, said the visit formed part of the agencyās campaign against the diversion and misuse of humanitarian assistance provided by government and development partners.
He explained that the agency, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has intensified advocacy campaigns aimed at curbing the illegal sale and diversion of RUTF.
Jigawa First Lady raises alarm over alleged diversion of therapeutic food for malnourished children
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