Zamfara Partners UNICEF To Check Nutrition Aid Diversion

Zamfara State Ministry of Health, with the State Primary Health Care Board and UNICEF, has inaugurated the State Aid Diversion Committee to safeguard nutrition commodities.

This multi-sectoral body is mandated to prevent, detect, and investigate the theft or mismanagement of life-saving supplies intended for vulnerable women and children.

Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday, the commissioner for Health Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun emphasised that these resources represent survival for malnourished children and that diversion undermines public trust.

The committee, chaired by the commissioner, includes the police, the DSS, the health and budget ministries, to ensure transparency and zero tolerance for fraud.

In a remark, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Rilwanu Musa Zurmi, commended the committee members for their prompt response and urged them to discharge their assigned duties diligently.

Director of Nutrition Abdulrazak Bashar reported that the state warehouse currently holds 43,800 units of RUTF, 37,000 units of MMS, and 3,700 other therapeutic supplies.

He highlighted significant progress, including securing 1.6 billion naira in total matching and counter-funding to reduce stunting and mortality rates.

The Committee will conduct physical spot checks, monitor real-time logistics, and review community feedback to maintain accountability. It will meet quarterly and report directly to the Executive Council to ensure a secure supply chain for the state’s nutrition programs.