WHO distsributes SAM kits to fight malnutrition among 1, 400 children in Yobe
By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has distributed Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) kits in fighting malnutrition among 1, 400 children in Yobe state.
The children are targeted from the insurgency affected local councils of Geidam, Gujba, Gulani, Yusufari, Tarmuwa and Damaturu.
Treatments of malnutrition is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Germany.
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Handing over the 14 cartons of SAM kits, yesterday (Tuesday), in Damaturu, the WHO Northeast Emergency Manager, Beatrice Muraguri, disclosed: “The distribution of kits to the State government, was to treat severe acute malnourished children in the health facilities across the state,” adding that they include the ones in the hard-to-reach areas.
Besides, she said that WHO is looking into all issues of emergency, comprising malnutrition and other child-killer diseases.
Continued; “We intervene when there are severe acute malnourished children admitted at the treatment centres.
“We come in terms of stabilization centres in case management. The case management is to ensure we have essential drugs available.
“WHO and other development health partners; are supporting the State government along with health cluster lead agency.”
She said that the medical consumables are 14 cartons of SAM kits, stating that they could treat 1, 400 malnourished children in the state.
Assuring that; “Part of the case management is to ensure we have essential drugs available.”
Muraguri, noted that WHO is targeting victims of insurgency, underserved and vulnerable populations, low-income earners and the people living in hard-to-reach areas.
In his brief remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Abdullahi Jawa said the presented SAM kits would complement the State government’s drive in providing free and accessible medical healthcare services, particularly under five children.
“We’ve a population of over four million and considering the scarcity of resources. The State government cannot cater for most of the needs of its people for healthcare delivery services amid numerous challenges,” he noted.
He, therefore, stated that with WHO’s support, residents will continue to access free healthcare delivery services at their doorsteps.
