The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised serious concerns about the theft and illegal sale of nutrition supplements intended for malnourished children in Sokoto State. The issue was highlighted during a quarterly policymakers’ meeting held on Wednesday in Sokoto.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office for Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, Mr. Micheal Juma, voiced his frustration over the misuse of vital nutrition supplements. Although Juma was unable to attend the meeting in person, he was represented by Mr. Abraham Mahama, who detailed the troubling situation.
Juma explained that the nutrition supplements were donated to help children suffering from malnutrition and were distributed through healthcare centers across various communities. However, he reported that some individuals within the system had been collaborating with traders to steal these supplies and sell them in local markets.
“The supplements meant to save lives are being stolen and sold,” Juma said. “During our investigations, we discovered that some personnel were hiding cartons of supplements, filling them with stones and other objects to disguise their theft. This is a serious issue that undermines the efforts to combat malnutrition in the state.”
Juma called for greater vigilance from community members and healthcare stakeholders to prevent the diversion of these crucial supplies. He also urged the Sokoto State government to follow the example of other states by appointing a Statistician General.
This position, Juma argued, is essential for improving data collection and management, which are critical for effective healthcare planning and implementation.
“The state’s current data collection and management systems are outdated and inadequate,” Juma said. “We need to adopt modern trends to better track and address key health indicators such as antenatal care, immunization rates, and mortality rates.”
Challenges in Healthcare Sector
The meeting also addressed broader issues affecting Sokoto’s healthcare system. UNICEF Social Protection Specialist, Mr. Isa Ibrahim, presented an analysis of the state’s 2024 budget performance. Ibrahim noted that the nutrition sector received no funding, while other areas of the budget had high capital expenditure with minimal impact on citizens’ lives.
Ibrahim supported Juma’s call for a Statistician General, emphasizing that the lack of this role creates a significant gap in data management and accessibility. “The absence of a Statistician General is a major obstacle,” Ibrahim said. “We need someone in this role to ensure that data is collected, managed, and utilized effectively to address the state’s health challenges.”
During the meeting, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Gobir, pledged full support for donor agency activities, acknowledging the need for immediate action to address the issues raised. “The presentations today have been a wake-up call for us,” Gobir stated. “We are committed to addressing these anomalies and improving our response to health challenges.”
Alhaji Balarabe Kadadi, the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, echoed Gobir’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with UNICEF and other donors. “UNICEF’s interventions are crucial for tackling our state’s challenges,” Kadadi said. “We must work together to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that budget formulations and implementations are effective.”
