The Kano State Government has inaugurated an 18-member committee to investigate the alleged diversion, theft and unauthorized sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) meant for the treatment of malnourished children across the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar.
According to the statement, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, inaugurated the committee on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Speaking during the inauguration, Yusuf said the committee was established to uncover the circumstances surrounding the reported diversion of the life-saving nutritional products and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
He said the committee is mandated to investigate the alleged diversion of the RUTF products, determine how the incident occurred, identify individuals or groups involved, including possible collaborators among health workers, traders and community members, and ascertain the quantity and estimated value of the missing items.
The commissioner added that the committee is also expected to recommend appropriate administrative, disciplinary and corrective measures, make further recommendations where necessary, and submit its report within 14 days.
Yusuf revealed that the Kano State Government spent more than N500 million on the procurement of the nutritional products to support the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
He noted that the commodities were meant exclusively for vulnerable children and not for commercial purposes.
“It is deeply disturbing that some unpatriotic individuals allegedly diverted the nutritional supplements for personal gain by selling them in open markets, thereby denying malnourished children access to critical treatment,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the state government would not tolerate any act capable of undermining public health interventions and vowed that all those involved would face the full weight of the law.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Aminu Bashir, while the Director of Administration and General Services, Alhaji Naziru Tanko Kyaure, will serve as secretary.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Bashir assured the government that members would carry out their assignment with diligence, transparency and professionalism.
“We want to assure the government that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the truth and safeguarding public resources meant for the well-being of children,” he said.
