As Nigeria surpassed Sudan, despite its ongoing conflict, to become the country with the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and the second highest globally, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in collaboration with Edesia launched 4500 cartons of Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF).
The program was officially launched on Monday at the Adamawa State Health Supplies Management Agency.
Representing Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the event, Felix Tangwami, the commissioner for health and human services expressed appreciation for the IRC’s continued commitment to supporting health services in the state.
“I want to sincerely thank the IRC for the critical role they’ve played in the health sector; it was revealed that Nigeria has surpassed Sudan in the number of malnourished children even though Sudan is a country at war. This should be a wake-up call for all of us,” Tangwami said.
He emphasized that the RUTF designed to treat severely malnourished children must not be diverted or misused.
“This product is strictly for malnourished children, and we are aware that some individuals have attempted to sell it. We are putting everyone on notice: this will not be tolerated.”
Tangwami also acknowledged the gravity of malnutrition in northern Nigeria, particularly the Northeast, which remains the hardest-hit region.
“This will make a meaningful difference, and on behalf of Governor Fintiri, we promise to ensure it is properly distributed and monitored.”
IRC Nigeria Country Director, Tunde Ojei, explained why Adamawa was selected for the initiative. “We are proud to be launching this distribution in Adamawa, one of the states that has shown leadership, especially in the education sector where we implemented our ‘Opportunity to Learn’ project.”
“As a Nigerian, I would rather hear better statistics when it comes to malnutrition in our country. That’s why, with the help of private donors, IRC has secured an additional 4,000 cartons of RUTF for Adamawa. We are hopeful that in the coming months, we will see a significant reduction in malnutrition figures.”
Earlier at the commissioner’s office the IRC Regional Vice President Modou Diaw praised the partnership between the IRC and Adamawa’s government.
“This is a small but strategic contribution, meant to complement government efforts. We conduct all our health-related programs in public health facilities, which is key to ensuring sustainability,” he noted.
The intervention comes at a critical time for Nigeria, where millions of children face life-threatening malnutrition, particularly in conflict-affected and economically disadvantaged regions. The RUTF are expected to provide urgent nutritional support and contribute to ongoing efforts to combat the malnutrition crisis
