Oluwafunbi Bello 
Cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food
GOMBE, Nigeria – The Gombe State Government and UNICEF have intensified efforts to combat child malnutrition with the delivery of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) worth N1 billion to support the treatment of severely malnourished children across the state.
The intervention, jointly funded by Gombe State and UNICEF with N500 million contributions from each partner, marks one of the largest nutrition support initiatives in the state in recent years.
Speaking during the reception of the supplies, Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Abdulrahman Shuaibu, said the programme reflects Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to improving child health outcomes through strategic partnerships and targeted healthcare interventions.
In a statement on Wednesday, Shuiabu said the therapeutic food is specifically designed to aid the recovery of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
“The administration remains committed to reducing child malnutrition and improving access to life-saving nutrition services across the state,” he said.
Shuaibu disclosed that the government has also commenced local production of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to ensure sustainability and long-term availability.
He added that Gombe has developed a Food and Nutrition Policy and a four-year Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on Nutrition aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and national food security strategies.
The state has also put measures in place to guarantee transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
UNICEF Vaccine Security and Logistics Consultant in Gombe State, Pharm. Abubakar Mohammed, described malnutrition as a major public health challenge affecting many children in the state.
He commended the government for sustaining collaboration with UNICEF to improve child nutrition and healthcare services.
Earlier, State Cold Chain Officer, Pharm. Ahmed Ahmed Hashidu, disclosed that 11,500 cartons of therapeutic food transported in seven trailers had arrived at the Gombe State Central Medical Store for onward distribution to health facilities.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Korede Abdullah 