The Jigawa State Government has trained 600 women on the production of locally made Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) as part of efforts to reduce malnutrition among children in the state.
Governor Umar Namadi announced this during the graduation ceremony for the beneficiaries at the Banquet Hall in Dutse. He expressed concern over the rising number of malnourished children despite the government’s annual interventions.
Governor Namadi revealed that the state spends over N250 million each year to purchase RUTF for treating severe acute malnutrition in children across Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) centres.
He noted that despite these expenditures, national health surveys continue to rank Jigawa among states with high rates of child stunting.
To address this challenge, the state introduced the use of Tom Brown, also known as Kwashpap, a locally sourced supplement made from millet, groundnut, and soybeans.
This alternative has been effective in managing moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and is widely accepted in some parts of the country. The governor highlighted that recent data from the 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) shows a decline in stunting rates from 64% in 2018 to 55%, indicating progress in the state’s nutrition policies.
Dr. Habib Muhammad Ubale, Director-General of the Economic Employment and Youth Employment Agency, stated that the training equipped the women with skills to produce nutritious food using locally available ingredients, ensuring healthier growth and development for children. This initiative aims to enhance sustainability and reduce dependency on imported therapeutic foods while empowering women economically.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
