Kaduna State has made history as the first sub-national government in Nigeria to adopt and implement the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) initiative — a major milestone in the fight against severe acute malnutrition among children.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) commended the development, describing it as a landmark commitment to child health and nutrition that should serve as a model for other states.
Speaking during a high-level meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna on Tuesday, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, praised the Uba Sani-led administration for its “visionary leadership and consistency” in addressing child malnutrition.
“Kaduna State stands out as a model for others to follow,” Abdelatef said. “The government’s proactive adoption and implementation of the RUTF initiative underscore a deep commitment to ensuring that no child suffers from malnutrition.”
She noted that UNICEF’s partnership with Kaduna had already yielded progress in nutrition, education, and water and sanitation services. “This milestone marks a defining moment in our collaboration. Kaduna’s leadership has demonstrated that with political will, transparency, and effective partnership, sustainable progress in child nutrition is achievable,” she added.
The meeting brought together senior government officials, development partners, and UNICEF representatives, who hailed the initiative as a “turning point” in Nigeria’s child health system.
Governor Uba Sani, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to build on the RUTF program as part of a broader strategy to promote inclusive development and eliminate child malnutrition.
“The launch of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food distribution across Kaduna State is a vital step toward ending severe acute malnutrition,” he said. “We will continue to invest in nutrition, primary healthcare, and community engagement to secure the future of our children.”
UNICEF pledged continued technical and financial support to ensure Kaduna’s model becomes a template for nationwide adoption.