Jigawa State allocates N250 million to combat child malnutrition

The Executive Council of Jigawa State has given the green light for the allocation of N250 million to acquire Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a crucial resource in the fight against child malnutrition in the state.

The State Nutrition Officer, Saidu Umar, shared this information with reporters shortly after the approval of the funds.

Umar explained that UNICEF had already sanctioned a N250 million grant for the procurement of RUTF. UNICEF’s role will extend to facilitating and overseeing the RUTF procurement process, as well as aiding in its management and distribution at various Centers for the Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM).

This significant allocation is intended to benefit around 10,000 children afflicted by acute malnutrition in the state.

Furthermore, alongside RUTF, the state is actively supporting multiple programs aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition. These initiatives seek to address the high incidence of child malnutrition and stunting in the region.