Sokoto to commence production of anti-malnutrition supplements

Source: pointblanknews.com

Following the continues increase in number of malnourished children in

Nigeria especially in the Northern part of the country, Sokoto State

government said it will start producing Ready to Use Therapeutic Food

(RUTF), a nutrient used for treating malnutrition.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Shehu Balarabe, who disclosed this

in Sokoto, said the state government can no longer afford to continue to

spend on the importation of RUTF which is produced from groundnut paste.

“In the past, imported Ready to Use Therapeutic Food from South Africa and

United States. However, what we're now working to stop that. We will soon

start producing it right here in Sokoto.
“RUTF is highly nutritious and is made from groundnut paste. We also thank

God that Dangote is investing in the production of the drug here in

Nigeria, so we commend him for that.
“This is the first step of boasting nutrition to have intelligent children.

Balarabe explained that if proper measures are taken, all that is needed in

Nigeria for proper nutrition is available and will cost nothing. He added

that “breastfeeding can save Nigeria in excess of N300 billion every year.

Breastfeeding is part of nutrition and it's free.”
Earlier, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF, Sokoto Field Office, Paul Mudzongo

charged the media to wake-up to their responsibilities by holding public

officials accountable as they discharge their duties, so as to ensure

transparency in the way they utilise funds allocated to children-related

issues.
He also urged the media to be in the front burner ‎through their reportage

in getting government committed to the fight against malnutrition in the

country.
Mudzongo, advocates for a renewed commitment and immediate attention by

governments at all levels in Nigeria to curb the trend of malnutrition by

adopting a comprehensive state, multi-sectoral nutrition strategic action.

According to him, governments should ensure adequate funding and timely

release of funds for nutrition budget line; increasing the nutrition budget

allocation and to fully integrate nutrition in revitalization of Primary

Health Care.
The post Sokoto to commence production of anti-malnutrition supplements appeared first on Pointblank News .