Gombe, UNICEF Partner on N1bn Therapeutic Food Initiative to Tackle Child Malnutrition

Gombe, Nigeria 🇳🇬 June 10, 2026:

The Gombe State Government has strengthened its fight against child malnutrition through the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) valued at N1 billion, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The intervention, aimed at improving the health and survival of malnourished children across the state, was jointly funded by the state government and UNICEF, with each contributing N500 million as counterpart funding.

Receiving the consignment at the Gombe State Central Medical Store, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu, who represented the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Taskforce on Diversion and Misuse of RUTF, Manassah Daniel Jatau, described the initiative as a critical response to the growing burden of malnutrition among children in the state.

Dr. Shuaibu said the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya remains committed to improving child health through strategic partnerships and sustainable nutrition programmes.

According to him, the therapeutic food is specifically designed to support the treatment and recovery of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

He noted that the partnership between Gombe State and UNICEF in procuring RUTF is not new, adding that previous interventions have significantly supported child nutrition efforts across the state.

The Executive Secretary further revealed that the state government has taken steps to ensure sustainability by commencing local production of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

He also disclosed that the state has developed a comprehensive Food and Nutrition Policy alongside a four-year Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on Nutrition, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and national food security policies.

Dr. Shuaibu assured that distribution of the 11,500 cartons of therapeutic food would begin immediately after the completion of logistical and security arrangements to guarantee transparency and efficient delivery to beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Vaccine Security and Logistics Consultant in Gombe State, Pharm. Abubakar Mohammed, said available statistics indicate a high prevalence of malnutrition among children in the state, making sustained collaboration between UNICEF and the government essential.

He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya's administration for its consistency and commitment in addressing malnutrition and strengthening healthcare delivery.

Mohammed reaffirmed UNICEF's readiness to continue supporting the state in tackling nutrition-related challenges and improving the wellbeing of children.

Earlier, the State Cold Chain Officer, Pharm. Ahmed Hashidu, disclosed that a total of 11,500 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food transported in seven trailers had been successfully delivered to the state's central medical store for onward distribution.

The latest intervention is expected to boost ongoing efforts to reduce child malnutrition and improve health outcomes among vulnerable children across Gombe State.