UNICEF raises alarm over diversion of nutrition supplements in Sokoto
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) recently frowned at the alleged diversion of nutrition supplements in some communities in Sokoto State, Nigeria, said a report on its website Sunday.
The UNICEF official also said that most of Sokoto State’s key indicators, such as antenatal care, immunization, vaccination, determinants, health sector M&E and mortality rates, portrayed very poor performance.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Michael Juma, expressed these concerns during the quarterly policymakers’ meeting held recently in Sokoto.
Juma urged community members and stakeholders in the healthcare sector to intensify vigilance against the diversion of prepared nutrition supplements in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that UNICEF organized the meeting in collaboration with the Sokoto government to discuss activities, successes, and challenges and offer solutions to lingering challenges
Juma, who was represented by Abraham Mahama, noted that the nutrition supplements were provided by donors and distributed to healthcare centres in different communities aimed at enhancing the lives of malnourished children.
He lamented that some bad elements in the system connived with traders and sold the supplements to unintended persons.
He stressed that the supplements were openly sold in markets.
During an investigation at the designated stores, UNICEF discovered that personnel stocked cartons of supplements with stones and other objects to cover their nefarious acts, he said.
-0- PANA RA 25Aug2024.
