A new survey by Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, has revealed a severe malnutrition crisis in parts of northwest Nigeria.
Between January and September 2024, MSF treated 294,000 children for critical levels of malnutrition, marking a 43% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with Epicentre and the Katsina State Ministry of Health, assessed 2,066 children from Katsina, Jibia, and Mashi local government areas in Katsina State. The findings show that global acute malnutrition levels in some areas have doubled since last year, with rates of severe acute malnutrition ranging from 6.8% to 14.4%.
“These survey results are, quite frankly, terrifying,” said Dr. Raphael Kananga, MSF Medical Coordinator. “In Mashi LGA, we found that 14% of the children we surveyed were severely malnourished—a catastrophic prevalence. If organisations do not act, we will see children dying in record numbers.”
MSF, which operates four treatment centres for malnourished children in Katsina State, has seen a 20% increase in cases this year, with over 100,000 children receiving care. Admissions for hospitalisation rose by more than 50%, but despite the efforts, over 800 children have died in MSF facilities in Katsina from January to September.
Dr. Kananga added, “The projections of worsening food insecurity are worrying. Agricultural yields have decreased, inflation remains high, and insecurity continues to disrupt livelihoods. Climate events are also impacting crops and livestock.”
The survey highlights a lack of inclusion of the northwest region in the UN’s humanitarian response plan for Nigeria. Despite the alarming rise in malnutrition cases, global funding cuts and shortages of therapeutic food are hindering efforts. In Zamfara State, limited supplies of therapeutic food have been available since March.
UNICEF recently launched a global appeal warning that nearly two million children across 12 countries are at risk of death due to malnutrition-related shortages.
Dr. Simba Tirima, MSF’s Country Representative for Nigeria, emphasised the need for urgent action:
“We have consistently raised the alarm about the escalating malnutrition crisis in northern Nigeria, and the findings confirm our worst fears. Without meaningful and immediate action, the situation could worsen dramatically in the coming year.”
MSF currently operates nutrition programs in seven northern states, including Borno, Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi. These include 10 inpatient facilities and over 30 outpatient feeding centres to treat malnourished children.
Dr. Tirima expressed optimism about ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health but called for increased funding and a reliable supply of therapeutic food to save lives. “There is hope that we can save many children next year if all stakeholders act decisively,” he said.
