The Katsina state governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, Sunday flagged off new Stabilization Centres and Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centres to tackle child malnutrition.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Baure LGA of Katsina, the governor said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to protect children and improve access to healthcare services.
He announced the establishment of two Stabilization Centres in Daura and Baure, alongside 60 OTP sites across 12 local government areas, including Funtua, Danja, Malumfashi, Ingawa, Bindawa, Dutsi, Kusada, Charanchi, Rimi, Mani, Mashi and Kankia.
Governor Radda said the new centres would provide free treatment and care for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, while the OTP sites would ensure early detection and treatment at the community level.
“These communities have been underserved for too long. Today, that gap is being closed, and that injustice is being addressed,” he said.
The governor also raised concern over the misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food meant for malnourished children, warning that anyone found diverting or selling the product would face legal action.
“I have approved a mobile court to handle such cases. Any healthcare worker, community member, or individual found diverting or selling RUTF will face immediate legal action, and there will be no exceptions,” he added.
