UNICEF, Agency Move Against Aid Diversion In Katsina

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have launched a joint campaign to combat the growing diversion of humanitarian aid, particularly Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), in Katsina State.

The initiative was unveiled at a press briefing led by the acting state director of NOA, Haruna Abdullahi Mallumfashi and UNICEF State Focal Person, Husaini Sale.

At the event, Mallumfashi described the diversion of aid materials as a serious threat to public health, particularly for malnourished children who depend on therapeutic food for survival.

He said findings from various communities indicate that these life-saving commodities were illegally redirected and sold by individuals within the distribution chain.

According to him, the malpractice had been observed in several primary healthcare centres, where some individuals exploit the system by presenting ineligible children to obtain the products for resale.

“This campaign is aimed at addressing a very disturbing trend. These aids are meant for vulnerable members of society, especially malnourished children, and must not be turned into a source of profit,” he said.

In his remarks, Sale emphasised that RUTF is a medically approved nutritional treatment specifically designed for children with severe acute malnutrition.

He warned that its misuse could undermine ongoing efforts to reduce child mortality and improve nutrition outcomes in the state.

He outlined the key objectives of the campaign as raising public awareness on the proper use of humanitarian aid, strengthening monitoring mechanisms at health facilities and promoting accountability across all levels of distribution.

The campaign will also focus on community engagement, encouraging citizens to report cases of diversion and take ownership of interventions meant for their benefit.

“We are calling for zero tolerance to the diversion of aid. Communities must understand that these resources are their right and should be protected,” Sale stated.