By Kamilu Lawal, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has committed about N1.7 billion toward strengthening efforts to tackle malnutrition, with a focus on upgrading health facilities and expanding access to treatment services across the state.
Chairperson of the State Nutrition Committee, Rukayya Hamza Umar, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Katsina, describing the intervention as unprecedented in the state’s fight against malnutrition.
She explained that the funds were deployed for the renovation of Stabilization Centres and the establishment of new Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centres to improve access to care for malnourished children.
According to her, part of the expenditure covered the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), as well as provision of meals for caregivers accompanying affected children.
Rukayya listed the renovated Stabilization Centres to include those in Funtua, Kafur, Kankara, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Danmusa, Batsari, Musawa and Malumfashi Local Government Areas, while new centres were established in Baure and Daura.
“All the centres have been fully equipped with the necessary medical facilities to ensure effective service delivery,” she stated.
She further revealed that 60 new OTP centres were established across 12 local government areas that previously lacked such services, bringing the total number of OTP centres in the state to about 265.
To strengthen community-level intervention, the committee chairperson said 600 volunteers had been trained to identify malnourished children early, while over 300 health workers were equipped to provide appropriate care and support.
Rukayya added that treatment services, including the provision of RUTF, are now offered free of charge to malnourished children and their caregivers.
While commending the state government for its financial and moral support, she raised concerns over the diversion of therapeutic food meant for vulnerable children by some parents and health personnel.
She, however, lauded the government’s establishment of a mobile court to prosecute offenders and deter such practices.
The committee chairperson called on members of the public to support government efforts by reporting individuals found diverting the nutritional supplies.
She also urged husbands to play a more active role in ensuring adequate nutrition for their wives and children, particularly during and after childbirth, as part of broader efforts to curb malnutrition in the state.
