The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has delivered 11,580 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to the Gombe State Government to combat severe acute malnutrition among children.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, praised the state government for allocating ₦500 million in counterpart funding for nutrition programmes in 2025.
This contribution was matched through the Child Nutrition Fund, enabling the procurement of vital supplies for vulnerable children.
Rafique emphasised that RUTF is a specialised food designed strictly for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, warning against its misuse as regular meals.
She urged community groups such as Mama2Mama and Fathers for Good Health to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure proper distribution.
The Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Prof. Bertha Abdu, highlighted the importance of nutrition in child development, cautioning that deficiencies could lead to long-term health and developmental challenges.
Similarly, Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Habu Dahiru, revealed that the state is scaling up local production of nutrient-rich foods in partnership with the North-East Development Commission to complement UNICEF’s efforts.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Micah Sunday, described UNICEF as a crucial partner in improving child health and wellbeing, noting that tackling malnutrition would enhance educational outcomes and future productivity.
The donation is expected to strengthen Gombe’s fight against malnutrition and expand access to life-saving treatment for children across the state.