By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria — June 6, 2026 (Series News Online) - UNICEF and the Kebbi State Government have begun distributing Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, RUTF, to treat children with Severe Acute Malnutrition, SAM, in 11 LGAs worst hit by malnutrition.
The distribution kicked off on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi under the Humanitarian Action for Children programme. The LGAs were selected after the 2025 nutrition survey showed high rates of stunting and wasting.
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Sokoto, who was represented by nutrition expert officer Alhaji Isah Ibrahim, described the rollout as urgent for child survival.
“This initiative is a direct response to the malnutrition crisis facing children in Kebbi. RUTF will provide immediate treatment for those suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition,” the UNICEF Chief of Field said.
He referenced data from the 2025 SMART survey and IPC-AMN analysis that highlighted the scale of the problem.
“Kebbi recorded a stunting rate of 40.9 percent and a wasting rate of 11.3 percent. Projections show that about 130,000 children under five will face Severe Acute Malnutrition in 2026,” he stated.
To tackle the crisis, 61 Primary Health Care centres have been selected for the first phase. UNICEF has already delivered 10,500 cartons of RUTF to cover initial treatment needs.
“We have supplied 10,500 cartons of RUTF for this first phase. The supplies will reach thousands of children across the affected LGAs,” the UNICEF Chief of Field said.
He warned that long-term progress would depend on accountability and state commitment.
“Food supplies alone cannot solve malnutrition. We need sustained government funding, proper monitoring, and zero tolerance for diversion. These supplies are meant only for children with severe acute malnutrition and must reach health centres without interference,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abubakar Muhammad Noma, said the partnership would strengthen treatment services for children under five.
“RUTF has been proven to save lives and restore the health of malnourished children. This intervention shows Kebbi’s commitment to reducing child mortality and improving nutrition outcomes,” the Executive Secretary said.
Governor Nasiru Idris welcomed the support and promised the state’s full cooperation.
“UNICEF’s intervention comes at a critical time. We appreciate the delivery of over 10,500 cartons of RUTF to treat children with severe acute malnutrition in the 11 targeted LGAs,” Governor Idris said.
He also pleaded for continued payment of the state’s counterpart funding for nutrition programmes in the state to UNICEF.
He cautioned against abuse of the supplies and directed security agencies to protect the commodities.
“Health workers are doing their best, but integrity must guide this process. Any attempt to divert or illegally sell RUTF will be met with strict action. Security agencies must ensure these materials reach only the intended beneficiaries,” Governor Idris stated.
The LGAs covered in the first phase are Augie, Bagudo, Fakai, Shanga, Suru, Zuru, Danko/Wasagu, Maiyama, Dandi, and two others. More than 10,500 children are expected to receive treatment immediately, with 130,000 children targeted overall in 2026.
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Nutrition