Despair To Hope: RUTF’s Life Saving Impact On Malnourished Children in Gombe

By Rebecca Caleb Maina

Kabiru Sani’s Journey from Weakness to Strength

In Nasarawo, Gombe State,Nigeria Kabiru Sani was on the verge of slipping away. His mother, Habiba Ibrahim, had tried to feed her son, but nothing worked. Kabiru’s tiny body had become weak, and he barely had the strength to cry.

, Then, Habiba, heard news that gave her hope.

The Gombe State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, had provided 5,830 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to combat severe acute malnutrition. These supplies were expected to cure 6,529 children, offering them a second chance at life.

When Habiba heard about RUTF at the Primary Health Care Centre in Nasarawo she rushed there with Kabiru in her arms.

Health workers  checked Kabiru’s weight and measured his arm circumference confirming he was severely malnourished. He was immediately enrolled in the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition ,(IMAM) programme and given RUTF therapy.

Within weeks, Habiba began to see hope. Kabiru slowly gained weight, his skin regained its healthy glow, and for the first time in months, he smiled again.

“I was so scared I would lose him, but this kunu ( RUTF)saved his life,” Habiba said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Zainab Yakubu and Hauwa Mohammed: Watching Their Children Recover

For Zainab Yakubu and Hauwa Mohammed in Birin Bolawa, the journey to saving their children was filled with fear and uncertainty. Zainab’s daughter, Ummi, and Hauwa’s twin boys, Hassan and Hussaini, had become so weak that they could no longer sit up. Every day, their mothers watched helplessly, unsure if their children would survive.

At the IMAM centre in Birin Bolawa, Zainab and Hauwa were given RUTF along with strict feeding and hygiene instructions. They followed them carefully, praying for a miracle.

Soon, Ummi, Hassan, and Hussaini started eating again. Their weight improved, they became active, and for the first time in weeks, they smiled and played.

“I had lost hope, but today, I am watching my daughter laugh again. I will never forget this help,” Zainab said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Hadiza Musa’s Story of Strength in Gadam

In Gadam, Hadiza Musa faced the heartbreaking reality of malnutrition when her two-year-old son Faruk became too weak to stand.

When she arrived at the Primary Health Care Centre, health workers immediately started her son on RUTF therapy. The nutrient-rich peanut paste worked wonders his strength returned, his appetite improved, and within a month, he was back on his feet.

“I thought I was going to lose him, but now he is growing strong. This food saved my child,” Hadiza said, holding her son close.

“RUTF: A Lifeline for Thousands of Children Across Gombe

The impact of RUTF is being felt across Gombe, in communities like Nasarawo, Tudun Wada, Dogon Ruwa, Gadam,Birin Bolawa,and Gombe Abba, Pantami,Banbam Mothers who once feared for their children’s lives now see them laugh and play again.

Every sachet of RUTF means another child regains strength.Every carton delivered means a mother can breathe a sigh of relief.Through this intervention,  thousands of children in Gombe now have a second chance at life.

For these families, RUTF is not just food it is the difference between life and death.

The Road Ahead: A Call for Sustainable Solutions

For families like Habiba, Zainab, Hauwa, and Hadiza, RUTF was a lifeline but no parent should have to watch their child waste away before receiving help.

Parents must learn to use locally available food to prepare nutritious meals for their children, ensuring they get the essential nutrients needed for growth and development.