Gombe Scales Up Fight Against Child Malnutrition as Governor Inuwa Releases N500m for Life-Saving Nutrition Support
Gombe State has taken a major step in strengthening its response to child malnutrition as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, approved the release of N500 million as counterpart funding for the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in partnership with UNICEF.
The funding, released under the Child Nutrition Fund, will dramatically boost access to treatment for children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) across the state, especially in hard-to-reach communities.
Gombe State remains one of the few states in Nigeria that consistently fulfills its nutrition counterpart funding obligations. This latest commitment reinforces the administration’s reputation for prioritizing child health and supporting interventions that safeguard the most vulnerable—particularly children under five.
RUTF, a nutrient-dense therapeutic paste, is globally recognized as a life-saving solution for treating severe malnutrition. It allows children to recover rapidly and can be administered at community level, ensuring that even families with limited access to health facilities receive essential care.
The state’s sustained investment in RUTF and other nutrition programmes aligns with Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s broader strategy to reduce child mortality, strengthen early childhood development, and secure a healthier future for Gombe.
Reaffirming his commitment, the Governor stated that “no child in Gombe should suffer or lose their life to a condition that is preventable and treatable.”
With the new N500 million release, Gombe is set to scale up life-saving interventions and continue its steady progress in improving child survival and overall health outcomes.