The Gombe State Government has approved ₦500 million as a counterpart contribution for the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a vital treatment for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Ismaila Uba-Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs, who said the funding forms part of a joint arrangement with UNICEF under the Child Nutrition Fund, a mechanism that supports low-resource regions in scaling up access to life-saving nutrition commodities.
Uba-Misilli explained that the contribution will enable Gombe to expand treatment coverage for malnourished children across all 11 local government areas of the state.
Rising Concern Over Child Malnutrition
Severe acute malnutrition, characterised by extreme wasting and high risk of death, remains a persistent challenge in the Northeast. Aid agencies warn that factors such as economic hardship, population displacement, and rising food prices are putting additional pressure on already vulnerable households.
The spokesperson noted that Gombe is among the few states that have consistently met their counterpart funding obligations for nutrition programmes, a commitment many others struggle to sustain. The latest allocation, he added, reflects the administration’s determination to safeguard children under five, who are most at risk of preventable malnutrition-related deaths.
How the Funding Will Help
The state government says predictable financing has already improved child survival by expanding access to essential nutrition services at primary health centres and community treatment sites. The new ₦500 million allocation aims to maintain this progress and prevent supply disruptions that could endanger thousands of children.
Why RUTF Matters
RUTF, a nutrient-dense paste with a long shelf life, has become central to global malnutrition treatment because it allows caregivers to administer therapy at home with periodic monitoring by health workers. This model significantly improves recovery rates, especially in remote or underserved areas.
With humanitarian agencies warning of rising malnutrition across northern Nigeria, Gombe officials say the latest funding will help ensure no child is denied treatment due to lack of resources.
