Yobe government, through the State Primary Health Care Board, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has officially launched the distribution of the Tom Brown food supplement in Fune Local Government Area (LGA) targeting 970 beneficiaries.
The event, which took place on Friday at the Damagum community was aimed at addressing malnutrition among children under five years.
The Tom Brown formulation a nutritious malted cereal blend made from locally sourced grains such as maize, millet, and soybean is designed to provide essential vitamins and minerals for children under five, who are most vulnerable to malnutrition.
The Director, Primary Healthcare Fune Local Government Area, Tahir Muhammad, said the initiative was part of a broader strategy to combat food insecurity and improve child health across the area.
“The distribution of the tom brown food supplements is for the prevention of relapse in the OTP program, which is being carried out across the LGA.
“The significance of the initiative,stating, “Malnutrition is a silent crisis that affects our children’s growth and development. With the introduction of Tom Brown, we are taking a major step in ensuring our children receive the nutrients they need to thrive,” he said.
He advised the beneficiaries to use the tom brown consistently, saying it not meant for sale .
The event featured workshops to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of balanced diets and how to prepare the Tom Brown formula.
Beneficiaries of the initiative expressed gratitude, with many parents highlighting the positive impact on their children’s health and well-being.