In 2025, nutrition supply chains were severely disrupted because of widespread funding cuts. These shortages of essential therapeutic and supplementary nutrition products severely impacted services for children already suffering from acute malnutrition.
To avoid critical gaps in supplies for children with acute malnutrition, on top of its regular nutrition interventions, the European Union has funded the shipment of 36,500 boxes of ready to use therapeutic food. This is to support the nutrition programmes of ALIMA (The Alliance for International Medical Action) and other EU funded humanitarian partners in Nigeria, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ensuring that thousands of children suffering from malnutrition have a chance at survival.
The ready to use therapeutic food (RUTF) sachets travelled a long way to reach their final destination. Donated by MANA Nutrition in the US upon a request from ALIMA, they reached Africa by ship and were transported by road to various distribution locations, thanks to EU-funded transportation.
Ready to use therapeutic food
RUTF is a high-energy, ready-to-use, nutrient-dense food paste specially designed to treat severe acute malnutrition (SAM) without medical complications in children between 6 months and 5 years old.
It is made from peanuts, milk powder, sugar, vegetable oil, vitamins, and minerals. RUTF helps children gain weight quickly and recover from malnutrition, here are some other benefits:
- highly nutritious
- convenient (mothers collect weekly supplies when they visit health centres)
- long-lasting (up to 2 years if unopened)
- resistant to bacterial contamination, may be given at home without medical supervision
This crucial EU humanitarian support is helping ALIMA and other EU humanitarian partners treat thousands of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which continues to affect many communities in Nigeria, Cameroon and DRC.
Rising nutrition emergencies in Nigeria, Cameroon and DR Congo
Across these 3 countries, malnutrition levels are increasing due to conflict, displacement, food insecurity, inflation, disease and weak access to healthcare.
A mother’s story: Rabi’atu’s recovery
Sauda Lawal, a 23-year-old mother from Kaita Local Government Area in Katsina State, Nigeria, brings a concrete testimony of how the ready-to-use therapeutic food helped her 12-month-old daughter. In fact, when ALIMA Health Promoters visited her community for malnutrition screening, she learned that her daughter, Rabi’atu, was malnourished. She brought her to the ALIMA-supported Kaita Comprehensive Healthcare Centre for care.
‘She had fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting. She lost a lot of weight, recalls Sauda.
‘I was worried and scared she would not survive. When I brought her here, they gave her milk and ready-to-use therapeutic food.’ Sauda explains ‘We have been coming here for 6 weeks since then and collecting RUTF every week.’
‘The first ration I was given was 14 sachets, then they were giving me 7 sachets weekly. She is much better now. Since she started eating it her weight has improved. Now I am happy. ’
‘This RUTF shipment is a lifeline for many children as RUTF is vital to treating malnutrition. During the 2025 peak season, 3,822 children have been admitted for the treatment of severe malnutrition in ALIMA supported Outpatient Programmes, and 3,594 have been discharged as cured from the programme in Northwest Nigeria alone, ’ said ALIMA Medical Coordinator, Dr Joseph-Désiré Yuma.
‘Thanks to EU humanitarian support, we can ensure more children get the urgent treatment they need to survive and thrive, ’ said Dr Joseph-Désiré Yuma.
Supporting EU-funded partners across Africa
Donated by ManaNutrition, the 36,500 boxes of RUTF, with the support of EU funded humanitarian partners, is distributed across health facilities and outreach programmes, reaching the most vulnerable children in those communities.
‘Ready to use therapeutic food is critical to saving lives of children suffering from severe acute undernutrition. With less than a box, children are given the chance to survive, recover from malnutrition, and be given a chance to thrive. ’
‘RUTF serves as a beacon of hope for parents in despair and can keep them dream of a healthier future for their children. The European Union continues to support its partners across Sub-Saharan Africa in reaching vulnerable families in times of crisis,’ said the EU Humanitarian Aid expert for Health, Ian Van Engelgem.
With funding from the European Union, ALIMA continues to provide lifesaving nutrition services using an integrated approach combining medical care, nutritional support, and community based follow up to maximise impact, ensuring that no child is left behind.
