Kano State Investigates Diversion of Food for Malnourished Kids

The Kano State Government has established a high-powered committee to investigate allegations of the diversion of therapeutic food, specifically Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), valued at N500 million, intended for the treatment of malnourished children across the state. The committee was inaugurated on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by the Commissioner for Health, Dr.

Abubakar Labaran Yusuf. Its mandate includes uncovering the circumstances surrounding the reported diversion, identifying individuals and groups involved, and determining the quantity and value of the missing products.

The committee is expected to recommend disciplinary measures to the administration and submit its report within 14 days. Dr.

Yusuf disclosed that the state government had spent N500 million on procuring RUTF to support the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. He condemned the actions of individuals allegedly diverting these supplements for personal gain, which denies vulnerable children access to critical treatment.

The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Aminu Bashir, and comprises 18 members drawn from various security agencies and community development committees.