The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Kaduna State for becoming the first sub-national government in Nigeria to adopt and implement the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) initiative — a critical step in combating severe acute malnutrition among children.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with the Kaduna State Government, the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, described the state’s commitment to child health and nutrition as exemplary, noting that Kaduna has demonstrated strong leadership and consistency in meeting its counterpart funding obligations.“Kaduna State stands out as a model for others to follow.
The government’s proactive adoption and implementation of the RUTF initiative underscore a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and ensuring that no child suffers from malnutrition,” Abdelatef stated.
The meeting, held in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, marked what officials described as “a defining moment” in the partnership between UNICEF and the state government to advance the health and well-being of children.
Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build on this progress, highlighting the RUTF initiative as part of a broader strategy to combat malnutrition and promote inclusive development.
“The launch of the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) distribution across Kaduna State is a vital step toward ending severe acute malnutrition,” the governor said. “We are determined that no child will be left behind in the fight for survival, growth, and a healthier future.” said Governor Uba Sani.
He also commended UNICEF’s enduring partnership, which continues to yield “transformative results” across key sectors including health, nutrition, education, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Governor Sani further noted that Kaduna’s participation in flagship programmes such as the RUTF initiative and the Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA III) project — for which Kaduna is currently the only state to key into in Nigeria — reflects the government’s vision of building “resilient, inclusive systems that protect the vulnerable and nurture human capital.
”“This recognition by UNICEF reinforces our values of transparency, efficiency, and purposeful leadership,” the governor added.
“We take great pride in this milestone and remain committed to expanding access to quality healthcare, clean water, and adequate nutrition for every child in Kaduna State.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge of collaboration between Kaduna State and UNICEF, as both parties vowed to deepen joint efforts toward ensuring that every child in the state grows healthy, nourished, and full of promise.
“Together,” Governor Sani affirmed, “we will continue to build a Kaduna defined by equity, dignity, and shared progress.”
