Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has warned against the diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, known locally as Dan kwamaso, which is intended for children suffering from malnutrition.
The governor spoke while receiving the final report of a special committee set up last month to investigate the causes and prevalence of malnutrition in the state. He said any staff or health worker found guilty of tampering with these supplies would face sanctions.
Governor Radda announced plans to establish Outpatient Therapeutic Programme centres across all 34 local government areas of Katsina. He directed the State Primary Healthcare Agency to work with stakeholders on cost implications and implementation strategies.
As part of immediate interventions, the governor approved the release of 90,000 bags of grain purchased last year for emergency use. Distribution will target the most vulnerable households identified by the special committee, which will also oversee the process to ensure fairness and accountability.
The committee’s report revealed widespread stunting, wasting, and underweight among children in Katsina. It also highlighted problems in the supply chain, including cases of diversion of therapeutic food, alongside deep-rooted social vulnerabilities driving malnutrition in the state.
