Gombe Gov’t, UNICEF Procure 5,830 Cartons Of Nutritional Supplement For Children
By Najib Sani, Gombe
Gombe State government in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have procured over 5,830 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to treat around 6,529 children suffering from malnutrition in the state.
The RUTF procurement is a result of Gombe State’s contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund coordinated by UNICEF.
Speaking during the handover of the food to the state government through the deputy governor, Manasseh Jatau, the UNICEF’s chief of Bauchi field office which is in charge of Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa and Plateau States, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, explained that the Child Nutrition Match Fund, supported by donors like the UK Government, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is aimed at combatting malnutrition and safeguarding the lives of children.
She noted that malnutrition is a pressing issue in Nigeria, with over 9 million children currently wasted.
The chief of the field office also revealed that Gombe State has a high burden of malnutrition, with 51% of children stunted, 8.8% wasted, and 64% of pregnant women suffering from anemia.
She urged the state government to release more resources in 2025 to procure additional commodities and conduct further nutrition interventions.
“We commend the state government on the release of funds under the CNF (Child Nutrition Fund) which has led to the procurement of the RUTF being handed over, and the successful completion of two rounds of MNCHW weeks in 2024.”, she said.
In his response, the state deputy governor, Manasseh Jatau said the partnership has enabled the state to double its investment in essential nutrition commodities.
He added that the the procurement of the RUTF is a testament to Gombe State’s exemplary leadership in nutrition and health.
According to him, over the years, the state has consistently released funds, delivered services, and maintained a strong partnership to address malnutrition in the state.
