The Jigawa State Government has warned against the diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), stressing that offenders will face severe consequences.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salisu Kainuwa, made this known while addressing journalists in Dutse.
He revealed that some health workers had already been apprehended for allegedly selling the life-saving food meant for malnourished children.
“Anyone found diverting this commodity does so at their own risk,” Dr. Kainuwa warned.
“This is not just theft; it’s a matter of life and death for our children.”
He emphasized that the state government remains fully committed to ensuring that RUTF reaches its intended beneficiaries children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
He also cautioned that the diversion of the product could have devastating consequences, including increased child mortality rates.
Dr. Kainuwa highlighted the government’s efforts in tackling malnutrition, stating, “The Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, is working to improve nutrition and health outcomes for women and children.”
He also noted the role of the Masaki Nutrition Programme, an initiative aimed at preventing malnutrition, which currently operates 300 fully government-funded community sites across the state.
He urged health workers to uphold professional ethics and prioritize the well-being of vulnerable children.
“Health workers must remember that their duty is to save lives, not to exploit the system for personal gain,” he said.
Dr. Kainuwa also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any cases of RUTF diversion to the authorities.