Have you heard of ready-to-use therapeutic food or RUTF? It’s a paste made up of powdered milk, peanuts, oil, sugar and a mix of vitamins and minerals. It needs no preparation, is shelf stable and is easy to digest.
Best of all, it saves lives. |
Globally, one in five deaths among children under 5 are attributed to severe wasting — the most dangerous form of malnutrition. It is one of the top threats to child survival. Right now, global funding cuts are causing massive disruption to nutritional programs and supplies like RUTF — meaning children suffering from wasting and severe acute malnutrition might not get the lifesaving support they need.
Will you rush an urgent gift to help ensure UNICEF’s programs continue to reach children in need?
UNICEF procures nearly 80 percent of the world’s RUTF, and its impact on children has been enormous. But right now, more than 2.4 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could go without RUTF for the remainder of 2025. In Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, stocks of RUTF have already run out. In Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, stocks could run out by mid-2025.
For children already living through conflict, climate shocks, food shortages and high food prices, the lack of reliable RUTF supplies and nutrition programs is creating an even greater need. Children shouldn’t have to bear these costs. But with mere weeks of this vital treatment left, they will.
Amid critical funding shortfalls, your support is needed more than ever to ensure that these lifesaving programs continue to reach children in need. Rush a gift to help now. |
Thank you for caring for children,
Michele Walsh
Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer
UNICEF USA |
