Kebbi State governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has cautioned against politicizing the activities of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the international medical humanitarian organization providing malnutrition treatment services in the state.
The governor issued the warning during an assessment visit to MSF-supported Malnutrition Stabilisation and Treatment Centres at Takalau, Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, and the General Hospital in Maiyama, headquarters of Maiyama Local Government Area.
Governor Idris said the visit followed a recent viral report claiming that no fewer than 400 malnourished children were being admitted daily into the centres a claim he described as misleading and unrealistic.
“Since the centre was established in September 2024, 1,406 children have been admitted in total. The figures do not support the claim of 400 daily admissions, which would amount to more than 2,000 children per week,” he said.
While reaffirming MSF’s global reputation for professionalism and humanitarian service, the governor urged the organization to guard against being used as a tool for political mischief.
“We recognize and appreciate MSF’s work in Kebbi and around the world. However, this misleading report amounts to fake news. MSF must not allow its platform to be used to spread falsehoods or malign the efforts of the state government,” he stated.
Governor Idris reiterated his administration’s openness to constructive criticism but vowed not to tolerate false narratives intended to discredit its initiatives.
He expressed gratitude for the recent clarification by MSF’s headquarters debunking the inflated malnutrition figures reported in a national newspaper, and pledged continued government support for the organization’s humanitarian and medical interventions.
“MSF remains a trusted partner of both the United Nations and the Federal Government. We will continue to collaborate with them for the health and well-being of our people,” the governor said.
During the visit, MSF representative Dr. Hamza Bello briefed the governor on the organization’s work in Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centres across the state, aimed at treating malnourished children.
Commissioner for Health, Comrade Yunusa Isma’il, also commended MSF for its vital role in improving the state’s health indices, describing the governor’s visit as timely and significant.