Associated media – Associated media
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued an urgent warning about the critical shortage of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), a lifesaving, nutrient-dense food essential for treating malnourished children in Africa. This shortage poses a severe risk of starvation for nearly two million children across the continent.
Recently, UNICEF announced that four African countries, including Mali, Nigeria, Niger, and Chad, have either completely depleted their RUTF supplies or are on the verge of doing so. Additionally, there is a looming risk that another eight countries, such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, will face similar shortages by the middle of 2025 if immediate action is not taken.
RUTF is a peanut-based paste that does not require water for preparation, making it exceptionally suitable for areas where clean water is scarce. Its high calorie and nutrient-rich composition are designed to meet the dietary needs of severely malnourished children, promoting rapid weight gain and recovery.
Victor Aguayo, the director of child nutrition and development at UNICEF, emphasized the dire nature of this situation, labeling malnutrition as a “silent killer” that requires urgent and significant action to prevent a devastating loss of life among children. He called for immediate international support and funding to replenish RUTF stocks and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left without essential nutrition.
This crisis highlights the broader challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in securing adequate resources to address malnutrition—a condition that significantly increases mortality rates among children under five years of age. The current shortage of RUTF is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian needs in regions plagued by conflict, poverty, and instability.
The international community’s response to this warning will be critical in preventing a catastrophic situation where thousands of children could face the fatal consequences of malnutrition. UNICEF continues to advocate for increased investment and support from global donors to meet these urgent needs and safeguard the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
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