Sokoto To Produce Anti-malnutrition Supplements

Worried by the continuous increase in the 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 soon.Making the disclosure, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Shehu Balarabe said is of no economic advantage for states such as Sokoto that is known for groundnut production to continue importing groundnut food.According to Kakale, 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, we imported Ready to Use Therapeutic Food from South Africa and United States. However, were 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 boosting 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 its 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.
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