The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated 17,500 cartons of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to the Bauchi State Government to fight severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in the state.
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is common among children aged 0–5 due to a lack of a balanced diet, primarily caused by poverty among the people, particularly rural dwellers.
While speaking on Thursday at the ceremony to receive the commodity, Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, said that the interventions of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Bauchi in critical areas of human development have reinforced the commitment of the present administration to deliver effective, sustainable solutions to challenges in the health sector, including malnutrition.
Speaking at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the venue of the ceremony, the Deputy Governor said that to reciprocate the gesture, the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed remains committed to MoU obligations as it will continue to demonstrate leadership and a high sense of political will to ensure effective healthcare coverage.
He noted that the generosity of USAID in providing 17,500 cartons of RUTF is a significant milestone in the collective efforts to address malnutrition and its devastating effects.
He said that the therapeutic food will ensure that children suffering from severe malnutrition can regain their health and lead promising, fulfilling lives.
Auwal Jatau also said that the USAID’s commitment to providing the RUTF is a testament to its understanding of the tremendous difference the intervention can make in transforming not only individual lives but also the future of the state, as the donation of the cartons of the RUTF marks a significant turning point in the state government’s battle against malnutrition in Bauchi.
According to him, “This donation is a testament to the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of USAID to the well-being of our people. However, we must remember that this is just the beginning.”
“Our fight against malnutrition requires sustained efforts and collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure that no child in our state falls victim to this preventable tragedy,” he said.
Auwal Jatau added, “As we all know, malnutrition remains a serious challenge in our society, particularly among the most vulnerable children. Malnutrition hampers not only the physical growth of our young ones but also their cognitive development, leading to long-term consequences that hinder their potential.”
“However, with the assistance and partnership of USAID, we are actively working towards combating malnutrition in our state,” he assured.
According to him, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to USAID for the numerous interventions and support towards the development of our dear Bauchi state. USAID has consistently demonstrated dedication to alleviating the suffering of our people through the implementation of programmes.”
The Deputy Governor added, We have to make it very clear at this event that, as a government, we appreciate the support and partnership with USAID in the areas of Transparency and Accountability, Healthcare, and Education and hope that it will continue.”
The Deputy Governor told the USAID officials that Governor Bala Mohammed appreciated his partnership with the organisation and stressed the need for various development partners, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and all well-meaning individuals to join hands and work together to support the well-being of children by ensuring they have access to nutritious food, adequate healthcare, and a bright future.
According to the Mission Director of USAID, Melissa Jones, the donation of the cartons of RUTF was a result of the state government’s commitment to ensuring that RUTF and other essential saving commodities are available.
According to her, “In response to the critical need to address the malnutrition problem, the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, procured the cartons of the RUTF to assist in the treatment of severe acute malnourished children in Bauchi State.”
She added that this is in addition to other technical assistance provided to the state for health system strengthening and training of personnel on the prevention and management of severe acute malnutrition.”
The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adamu Sambo, Emir of Dass, Usman Bilyaminu Othman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Idris Saleh, Executive Secretary, State Health Contributory Agency, Dr. Mansur Dada, and the Managing Director of the State Drugs Agency, Pharmacist Abdulkadir, among others, as contained in a statement by Muslim Lawal, Special Assistant (Media), to the Bauchi State Deputy Governor.
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