Kaduna First To Implement Initiative TACKLING ACUTE CHILD MALNUTRITION

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Kaduna State for becoming the first sub-national government in Nigeria to adopt and implement the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) initiative — a critical step in combating severe acute malnutrition among children.

Speaking during a high-level meeting with the Kaduna State Government, the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, described the state’s commitment to child health and nutrition as exemplary, noting that Kaduna has demonstrated strong leadership and consistency in meeting its counterpart funding obligations.

“Kaduna State stands out as a model for others to follow. The government’s proactive adoption and implementation of the RUTF initiative underscore a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and ensuring that no child suffers from malnutrition,” Abdelatef stated.

The meeting, held in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, marked what officials described as “a defining moment” in the partnership between UNICEF and the state government to advance the health and well-being of children.

Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build on this progress, highlighting the RUTF initiative as part of a broader strategy to combat malnutrition and promote inclusive development.

Governor Sani further noted that Kaduna’s participation in flagship programmes such as the RUTF initiative and the Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA III) project — for which Kaduna is currently the only state to key into in Nigeria — reflects the government’s vision of building “resilient, inclusive systems that protect the vulnerable and nurture human capital.”