Kaduna leads Nigeria in adopting ready-to-use therapeutic food for malnourished children

Kaduna State has become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to adopt and implement the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) initiative — a major stride in combating severe acute malnutrition among children.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) hailed the move as a landmark achievement and a model for other states.

During a high-level meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, commended the state government for its strong leadership and consistency in addressing child malnutrition.

“Kaduna stands out as a model for others. The government’s proactive adoption of the RUTF initiative reflects deep commitment to improving children’s lives and ensuring no child suffers from malnutrition,” she said.

Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending child malnutrition and promoting inclusive development.

“The launch of the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food distribution across the state is a vital step toward ending severe acute malnutrition. No child will be left behind in the fight for survival, growth, and a healthier future,” the governor said.

RUTF — a nutrient-dense paste made from peanuts, milk powder, sugar, vegetable oil, and essential vitamins — enables community-based treatment for malnourished children, reducing hospitalisation and improving recovery rates.

Governor Sani commended UNICEF for its long-standing partnership and support across health, education, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors.

He noted that Kaduna’s participation in flagship programmes such as the RUTF initiative and the Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA III) project demonstrates the state’s vision to build “resilient, inclusive systems that protect the vulnerable and nurture human capital.”

“The health and well-being of our children are at the heart of our development vision. By investing in nutrition, we are investing in Kaduna’s future,” he added.

UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government reaffirmed their joint commitment to ensuring every child in the state grows healthy, nourished, and full of potential.

According to UNICEF, about two million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition annually, with only a fraction accessing treatment. The agency said wider adoption of the RUTF model could save thousands of young lives.

Earlier, Kaduna’s Special Assistant to the Governor on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Fauziya Buhari-Ado, said the initiative complements the state’s school feeding programme, which improves pupils’ health, learning, and local food production while empowering women as cooks.

She commended Governor Sani for sustaining both initiatives aimed at fighting hunger and promoting sustainable development in Kaduna State.