The Emir of Hadejia, Dr. Adamu Abubakar-Maje, has called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify efforts to curb the diversion and misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in the state.
The traditional ruler made the call on Thursday when the State Director of NOA, Mr. Ahmad Tijjani, led a team comprising representatives from UNICEF and the Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (JSPHDA) on an advocacy visit to his palace in Hadejia.
Dr. Maje-Abubakar, represented by the Galadima of Hadejia, Usman Abdul’aziz, also urged the agency to step up public enlightenment campaigns to discourage people from selling RUTF intended for malnourished children. He further called on NOA to collaborate closely with traditional institutions to ensure that RUTF is accessed only through certified health professionals.
The emir reaffirmed the emirate council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the health and well-being of the people.
Earlier, the NOA director explained that the visit was part of a statewide campaign against the diversion and sale of RUTF by some individuals. He said the team was seeking the support of traditional leaders to mobilize district heads and other community leaders in educating their subjects about the health risks associated with misusing RUTF.
The representative of JSPHDA, Magaji Uba, emphasized that the commodity is provided free of charge at health facilities and is strictly meant for malnourished children who meet the required medical criteria. He warned that using the therapeutic supplements without proper medical prescription could lead to serious health complications.
Uba added that parents have a crucial role to play in discouraging this growing practice and urged them, along with other community stakeholders, to support health authorities in safeguarding public health.
