Under the direction of Governor Abba Yusuf, the state government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy to protect the distribution, theft, and illegal sale of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) and ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) that mothers and children receive free of across the state.
The Alive &, Thrive Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Project was officially concluded by the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran, during a press conference.
Labaran expressed deep concern over reports that dangerous food items that are meant to save the lives of vulnerable children and women are being sold at supermarkets and pharmacies.
“We have credible information that some of our own employees are directing MMS and RUTF to be sold in markets and drug stores in collaboration with outsiders,” according to credible information. These products are not for sale, the Commissioner told the press, “let me make this very clear.”
The Kano State Government provides them for free in order to combat malnourishment, stunting, and anemia in our communities, in collaboration with UNICEF. Any health worker who is found guilty of stealing or discharging these items will be immediately detained and prosecuted. I’ve already contacted security agencies to request immediate response if such practices are discovered.
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The commissioner made note of the state’s 59.1% child stunt rate, which is currently 59% among those under five, and that the Kano State government has committed more than $1 billion to the distribution and procurement of MMS in the state’s 44 Local Government Areas.
The government is heavily investing in our children’s futures. He claimed that anyone who undermines these efforts is stealing the future of our next generation as well as supplements.
The Commissioner praised FHI360 for its four years of pioneering work with the Kano State government through the Alive &, Thrive project, which has made significant improvements to public health.
The commissioner noted that “thanks to the efforts of FHI360 and our local teams, we have seen a decrease in child stunting from 58 percent to 40 percent in just three years” and that the rate of anemia among women of reproductive age has decreased.
“Over 8, 000 healthcare professionals have received training, and more than one million women have received MMS,” according to Kano State’s distribution of 50, 000 infant and young child feeding materials.
The Kano State Government provides assurance to the public that the project is moving forward and that it will continue with existing structures to support the progress made and further enhance nutrition outcomes.
Source: Channels TV
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