Malnutrition: Kaduna Gov flags off distribution of 31,100 cartons of RUTF

From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has flagged off the distribution of 31,100 cartons of Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) worth N100 million for the treatment of malnourished children in the state.
Speaking during the flagged-off ceremony held in Kaduna State yesterday, Governor Sani said the (RUTF) was purchased by the State Government in partnership with the World Bank, Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN).
He explained that the RUTF is available free at our health facilities and nutritional corners for the management of cases of malnutrition in children.
“ At this juncture, I must appreciate the Global Fund, UNICEF, and the Federal Ministry of Health for their support in ensuring that Kaduna State TB and HIV programs are strengthened. I must also appreciate the LAFIYA Project for its support in ensuring that Kaduna State has all the necessary policy documents it needs to respond to the ever-evolving health environment.
“Our deep appreciation also goes to other partners and our traditional and religious institutions for the support they have been providing to the Kaduna State government.
“We are committed to strengthening our partnerships with health-focused development agencies to frontally tackle the diseases undermining the health of our citizens.
“ We cannot turn around the economy of our state without enhancing the health of our people. Our vision is to build healthy communities, where the poor and vulnerable have access to quality healthcare. We shall not waver in our commitment. We count on your support to leave a lasting legacy in the healthcare sector. “ He said
Speaking to our correspondent, the project coordinator of the Accelerating Nutrition Result in Nigeria Dr Zainab Idris Kwaru said Kaduna State has children in their numbers who are suffering from malnutrition and RUTF is one of the things that is required to get them out of that condition and situation so that they can bounce back to sound health and live a productive life.
She explained that the procurement of the RUTF was through the partnership with the World Bank to serve as the treatment required for malnourished children.
Dr Zainab Kwaru disclosed that the ANRIN project has been very much involved in support of the prevention of malnutrition.
According to her, the work that the ANRIN project did through Non-non-state actors was to provide a basic package of nutrition services and adolescent health services to the timid population of pregnant women, lactating mothers, children less than five years old, and adolescent girls, especially married adolescent girls.
“This was done house to house across the 23 LGAs of Kaduna State.
“To start with, there are structures and committees strategically put in place, especially the local Government committee on food and nutrition well established in the whole 23 LGAs of the State.”