Gombe Sets Up Task Force To Curb Theft Of Children’s Nutrition Commodities

By Najib Sani, Gombe

In a move to tackle misuse and theft of provided children’s nutrition commodities, the Gombe State Government has established a high-level task force to combat the misuse, abuse and theft of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and other nutrition commodities.

The task force was inaugurated by the state deputy governor, Manasseh Jatau on Tuesday .

According to him, the initiative reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting life-saving treatment for vulnerable children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Jatau explained that the task force is a testament to the state’s high-level political will and institutional commitment to protecting its vulnerable children.

He stated that the task force brings together key stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, CSOs and development partners, under the leadership of the Gombe State Government.

“This task force will ensure transparency, accountability and community ownership of our nutrition initiatives”, the deputy governor noted.

Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhaq Rafique, said UNICEF supported the establishment of the task force adding that the development comes as the state grapples with rising malnutrition rates.

She noted that despite billions of naira spent on nutrition commodities, many malnourished children are not receiving the commodities which indicates they are being misused and opined that the inauguration of the task force could address that.

“RUTF is a life-saving commodity and it is imperative that it reaches those who need it most”, she said.

The UNICEF chief of Bauchi field office said the task force is expected to strengthen public awareness and prevent the misuse of RUTF, ultimately saving countless lives.