Kano probes alleged diversion of food meant for malnourished children

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the alleged diversion, theft, and unauthorised sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) worth over N500 million, meant for the treatment of malnourished children across the state.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the panel was constituted to unravel the circumstances surrounding the reported diversion of the life-saving nutritional commodities and to ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

He explained that the committee has been mandated to establish the facts of the incident, identify individuals or groups involved, including possible collaborators among health workers, traders, and community members, and determine the quantity and value of the missing products.

The committee is also expected to recommend administrative and disciplinary measures and submit its report within 14 days.

Dr Yusuf disclosed that the state government had spent over N500 million on the procurement of RUTF to support the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

He lamented that some unpatriotic individuals allegedly diverted the supplements for personal gain by selling them in open markets, thereby denying vulnerable children access to critical treatment.

The committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Aminu Bashir, comprises 18 members drawn from security agencies, the Emirate Council and Ward Development Committees.

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