WHO Provides Assortment of Emergency SAM Kits to the Yobe State Govt

Ibrahim Umar
Kanempress
8th, August,2023

The World health organization (WHO) has donated an assortment of emergency kit to Yobe State government.

The donation includes an assortment of emergency therapeutic food known as SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) kits. These kits contains ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) which is a high-calorie nutrient-dense paste used to treat severe acute malnutrition in children.

According to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, these kits will be distributed across the state’s health facilities ensuring that children under the age of five who suffer from malnutrition have access to the necessary treatment.

Yobe State like many other states in Nigeria faces significant challenges in healthcare delivery due to limited resources. The government’s efforts to provide free and accessible healthcare services have been hindered by these constraints. However with the support of international organizations like the WHO the government can make significant progress in improving the health outcomes of its residents.

The WHO donation is a testament to the organization’s commitment to addressing health disparities and improving healthcare services in underserved regions. It is hoped that this contribution will not only save lives but also raise awareness about the importance of adequate nutrition and healthcare for children.

The Ministry of Health in Yobe State is appreciative of the support and reassures the public that the donated drugs will be utilized effectively and transparently. The government is also calling for continued collaboration with international organizations to address other pressing health challenges and improve the overall well-being of the residents.

Dr Beatrice Muraguri, the Northeast Emergency Manager for the World Health Organization (WHO) and Dr Nuhu Barau-Ningi, the Yobe State Coordinator recently delivered crucial medications to the state. These medications which were funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government of Germany will be used to treat severely malnourished children in Yobe State including those in hard-to-reach areas.

The WHO takes on various emergency issues including malnutrition. One aspect of our work is to address severe acute malnutrition in children admitted to treatment centers. This involves providing support to stabilization centers ensuring proper case management and ensuring the availability of essential drugs.”

We are providing support not only as the WHO but also as the leading agency in the health cluster. These medications will not be exclusively used by the government but will also be distributed to other partners involved in the health cluster. These medical supplies consist of 14 kits with each kit containing around 14 cartons they explained.

According to the WHO, these kits will be crucial in treating at least 100 children particularly those in remote areas victims of conflict underprivileged communities low-income individuals and areas that are difficult to access.