Following the continues increase in number of malnourished children in
Nigeria especially in the Northern part of the country, Sokoto State
government said it will start producing Ready to Use Therapeutic Food
(RUTF), a nutrient used for treating malnutrition.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Shehu Balarabe, who disclosed this
in Sokoto, said the state government can no longer afford to continue to
spend on the importation of RUTF which is produced from groundnut paste.
“In the past, imported Ready to Use Therapeutic Food from South Africa and
United States. However, what we’re now working to stop that. We will soon
start producing it right here in Sokoto.
“RUTF is highly nutritious and is made from groundnut paste. We also thank
God that Dangote is investing in the production of the drug here in
Nigeria, so we commend him for that.
“This is the first step of boasting nutrition to have intelligent children.
Balarabe explained that if proper measures are taken, all that is needed in
Nigeria for proper nutrition is available and will cost nothing. He added
that “breastfeeding can save Nigeria in excess of N300 billion every year.
Breastfeeding is part of nutrition and it’s free.”
Earlier, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF, Sokoto Field Office, Paul Mudzongo
charged the media to wake-up to their responsibilities by holding public
officials accountable as they discharge their duties, so as to ensure
transparency in the way they utilise funds allocated to children-related
issues.
He also urged the media to be in the front burner through their reportage
in getting government committed to the fight against malnutrition in the
country.
Mudzongo, advocates for a renewed commitment and immediate attention by
governments at all levels in Nigeria to curb the trend of malnutrition by
adopting a comprehensive state, multi-sectoral nutrition strategic action.
According to him, governments should ensure adequate funding and timely
release of funds for nutrition budget line; increasing the nutrition budget
allocation and to fully integrate nutrition in revitalization of Primary
Health Care.