A recent report by Doctors Without Borders (also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF), has revealed a sharp increase in instances of acute Malnutrition in Bauchi state. MSF reported 23,000 cases of severe malnutrition in the region between January and June 2024, representing a 120 percent increase over the same period the year before. This dramatic increase reflects a nationwide trend, with malnutrition rates in Nigeria rising by 40 percent. MSF cautioned that the situation might escalate into a disaster unless comprehensive and rapid action is taken.
Thierry Boyom, MSF’s medical coordinator in Nigeria states that while Poverty is a major contributor to this problem, it is by no means the sole contributing cause. Boyom pointed out that a significant increase in the cost of staple foods had left many impacted households unable to afford three meals a day. Inadequate access to clean water and healthcare exacerbates the financial strain. Diseases like measles, which is directly related to malnutrition, have also increased in Bauchi as a result of suboptimal breastfeeding practices among mothers and low vaccination rates
MSF has been addressing malnutrition crisis in Bauchi.
As part of its efforts, MSF has implemented Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM), a community-based intervention, in eight Bauchi villages in response to the worsening crisis. The ultimate objective of this program is to equip local women with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and deal with malnutrition in its early stages. These women are educated to identify the severity of malnutrition and its symptoms, as well as to treat mild instances immediately. Boyom claims that by delivering much-needed care closer to those who need it most, this initiative is contributing to closing significant discrepancies in the country’s healthcare system.
However, these efforts are being undermined by the underlying challenges of insecurity, limited healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate resources. MSF stressed that a great number of youngsters in Bauchi and across the nation will keep fighting for their lives unless these structural issues are resolved. Since 2022, MSF has been actively addressing the malnutrition crisis in Bauchi; nevertheless, the magnitude of the issue has exceeded the organization’s capacity. The state’s Nutrition officer, Abubakar Saleh, emphasized the continued initiatives to increase vitamin supplementation for expectant mothers in an effort to stop malnutrition at an early age.
2 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition.
Generally, Nigeria is facing the second-highest global prevalence rate of growth-stunted children, with 32% of children under five affected nationwide, according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in the country is estimated to be 2 million. However, only two out of ten affected children receive treatment at this time. Also, 7 percent of reproductive age women experience acute malnutrition. The two types of malnutrition, wasting and stunting, are more prevalent in the northern part of the country.
Children who are malnourished are more likely to experience delays in growth, wasting, and stunting, all of which can have a lasting detrimental effect on both their mental and physical growth. Furthermore, the nation faces serious problems with Public Health and development as a result of the high rates of malnutrition. As the humanitarian crisis worsens, various individuals are calling for stronger local actions and greater global support. The Nigerian government has launched a number of initiatives to combat malnutrition, including nutrition education, micronutrient supplements, and the encouragement of exclusive breastfeeding, in partnership with international organizations.
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Various international organizations including MSF, UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), are actively supporting the fight against malnutrition in Nigeria. Through the strengthening of health and community systems and the full integration of nutrition into all facets of the primary health care (PHC) system, UNICEF’s program aids the government in implementing the National Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition. A special emphasis is placed on community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), infant and young child feeding (IYCF) initiatives, and micronutrient supplementation.