By Hadiza Musa Yusuf
The Kano State Government has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the alleged diversion, theft, and illegal sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) meant for the treatment of malnourished children in the state.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, on Tuesday.
Inaugurating the committee on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the government took the step to uncover the truth behind the alleged diversion and ensure justice is served.
He explained that the committee was mandated to fully investigate how the incident happened, identify those involved, and determine the quantity and value of the missing items.
According to him, “the committee is expected to investigate the alleged diversion of RUTF, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify individuals or groups involved, including possible collaborators among health workers, traders, and community members, and determine the quantity and estimated value of the missing products.”
Dr. Yusuf added that the committee will also recommend disciplinary and corrective measures, as well as suggest ways to prevent future occurrences. He said the committee has 14 days to submit its report.
He revealed that the state government spent over ₦500 million on the procurement of the nutritional products, stressing that they were meant strictly for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
“It is very unfortunate that some unpatriotic individuals allegedly diverted these life-saving nutritional items and sold them for personal gain, thereby denying vulnerable children access to treatment,” he said.
He warned that the government would not tolerate any action that undermines public health programmes and vowed that anyone found guilty would face the full weight of the law.