The emir of Hadejia, Adamu Abubakar-Maje, has called on the National Orientation Agency to strengthen efforts at curbing the diversion and misuse of ready-to-use therapeutic food.

The emir made the call on Thursday when the Jigawa director of NOA, Ahmad Tijjani, led a team comprising UNICEF and Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development on an advocacy visit to his palace in Hadejia.

Mr Maje-Abubakar also called on the agency to intensify public enlightenment to discourage people from selling the RUTF meant for malnourished children.

He urged NOA to work closely with traditional institutions to ensure that the RUTF is accessed through certified health professionals.

The emir reaffirmed the emirate council’s commitment to support initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of the people.

The NOA director said the visit was part of a campaign against the diversion and selling of the RUTF by some people in the state.

He explained that the team was at the emir’s palace to seek the support of the traditional leaders in mobilising district heads and other community leaders to educate their subjects on the health risks associated with the misuse of the RUTF.

The representative of JSPHCD, Magaji Uba, restated that the commodity was provided free of charge at health facilities and strictly meant for malnourished children.

Mr Uba warned that using the therapeutic supplements without a proper medical prescription could lead to serious health complications.

He also said parents have a crucial role to play in discouraging the growing practice, urging them and other community stakeholders to support health authorities in safeguarding public health.

(NAN)