Zamfara State and UNICEF Launch Nutrition Aid Committee

Zamfara State has partnered with UNICEF to address the issue of nutrition aid diversion. On Thursday, a committee was inaugurated to safeguard nutritional commodities, with a mandate to prevent, detect, and investigate theft and mismanagement of life-saving supplies intended for vulnerable women and children.

Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, the Commissioner for Health, emphasized the importance of this initiative in restoring public trust.

The committee, chaired by the Commissioner, includes representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and the Ministry of Health, and aims for zero tolerance towards fraud. Rilwanu Musa Zurmi, the permanent secretary of the Ministry, commended the committee members for their prompt response and urged them to diligently fulfill their duties.

Director of Nutrition, Abdulrazak Bashar, reported that the state warehouse currently holds 43,800 units of RUTF and 37,000 units of MM, highlighting significant progress. The committee will conduct physical spot checks, monitor logistics in real-time, and maintain accountability, with quarterly reports to the executive council to ensure the security of the supply chain for the state’s nutrition program.