Cases of child malnutrition increases by 160% in parts of Nigeria – NGO

A non governmental organization has warned that cases of severe malnutrition among children aged under five years in north-eastern Nigeria are fast rising, hence the need for urgent attention.

FHI 360 disclosed that about 15,781 – were admitted to its facilities for treatment in seven months.

The organisation said the figure represents an increase of nearly 160% from 2022.

“The situation in north-east Nigeria is grave, and increased support is needed to address the critical health and nutritional needs of communities, especially women and children,” the organisation said.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, Nigeria has the world’s second-highest rate of child stunting, which is caused by widespread malnutrition, mainly in the country’s north.

The agency projects that two million children in Nigeria are malnourished, with barely 20% receiving treatment.

UNICEF added that malnutrition accounts for 45% of the deaths of children under the age of five in the West African country.