Kano Govt Warns Health Workers Against Diversion Of MMS, RUTF
The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Yusuf, has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards the theft, diversion, or illegal sale of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) provided free for mothers and children across the state.
This was made known by the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran, during a press briefing marking the official closeout of the Alive & Thrive Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Project implemented by FHI360.
Labaran expressed deep concern over reports that vital nutrition commodities, which are meant to save the lives of vulnerable children and women, are being diverted to markets and pharmacies.
“We have received credible information that some of our own staff, in collaboration with outsiders, are diverting MMS and RUTF to be sold in markets and drug stores. Let me make this very clear — these products are not for sale,” the Commissioner told the press.
“They are supplied free of charge by the Kano State Government in collaboration with UNICEF to combat malnutrition, stunting, and anemia in our communities. Any health worker found guilty of diverting or stealing these items will face immediate arrest and prosecution. I have already met with security agencies to take swift action wherever such practices are discovered.”
The commissioner noted that the Kano State Government has committed over ₦1 billion towards the procurement and distribution of MMS across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state to tackle the alarming rate of stunting, which stands at 59.1 percent among children under five.
“This government is investing heavily in the future of our children. Anyone who sabotages these efforts is not just stealing supplements — they are stealing the health and future of our next generation,” he said.
The Commissioner further commended FHI360 for its four years of impactful collaboration with the Kano State Government through the Alive & Thrive project, which has led to significant gains in public health.
“Thanks to the efforts of FHI360 and our local teams, we have seen a reduction in the rate of anemia among women of reproductive age and a drop in child stunting from 58 percent to 40 percent in just three years,” the commissioner said.
“Over 8,000 healthcare workers have been trained, more than one million women have received MMS, and 50,000 Infant and Young Child Feeding materials have been distributed across Kano State.”
While the project is ending, the Kano State Government assures citizens that the work continues, with structures in place to sustain the gains made and improve nutrition outcomes even further.
“We urge our healthcare workers and the general public to remain vigilant, protect these life-saving interventions, and report any suspicious activity. The future of our children depends on it,” the Commissioner added.
