The Jigawa State Government has approved the release of ?250 million as a matching fund for the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to combat severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Sagir Ahmed Musa, disclosed this in Dutse while briefing Tribune Online on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Umar Namadi.
According to him, ‘The Jigawa State Executive Council this afternoon approved the release of ?250 million as a matching fund for the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in partnership with UNICEF.’
Musa explained that the approval reaffirms the Namadi administration’s commitment to tackling child malnutrition and improving health outcomes for children across the state.
‘This initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to addressing severe acute malnutrition among children under five and ensuring that no child in Jigawa is left behind in the fight against hunger and disease,’ he stated.
He described RUTF as a life-saving nutritional product used for community-based treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, adding that the intervention-implemented in collaboration with UNICEF-will expand access to treatment for affected children across the state.
Musa further noted that Governor Namadi remains resolute in delivering impactful health and nutrition programmes targeting the most vulnerable groups, particularly children, to reduce child mortality and enhance long-term health outcomes.
He added that the state government will continue to strengthen its partnerships with international organisations and development partners to safeguard the well-being of every child and promote a healthier, more productive future for Jigawa State.