Nigeria Faces Alarming Malnutrition Crisis: 652 Children Die in Six Months

By Emmanuel Kwada

‎Nigeria is grappling with a severe malnutrition crisis, particularly in the northern region, where Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported 652 child deaths in the first six months of 2025 due to inadequate care and funding cuts. The situation is dire, with cases of severe malnutrition rising by 208% compared to the same period last year.

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‎The crisis is attributed to massive budget cuts from international donors, including the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, which are hampering treatment and care for malnourished children. MSF is working in ten states, including Borno, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara, to provide critical care to malnourished children, but the organization is overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases and limited resources.

‎The impact is widespread, with nearly 31 million people facing acute hunger across Nigeria. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also affected, with an MSF survey finding that over half of 750 mothers surveyed were acutely malnourished, including 13% with severe acute malnutrition.

‎More needs to be done to address the root causes of malnutrition and ensure sustainable access to nutritious food and healthcare for vulnerable populations

‎The United Nations food agency has warned that it will be forced to suspend emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeast Nigeria due to critical funding shortfalls. The Nigerian government has budgeted 200 billion naira ($130 million) to cushion the shortfall from the withdrawal of funding to the health sector by the US. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of malnutrition and ensure sustainable access to nutritious food and healthcare for vulnerable populations.

‎Insecurity and banditry in northern Nigeria have displaced many people, forcing them to abandon their farms, which has further exacerbated the malnutrition crisis. MSF is calling for increased funding and collaboration from national and international stakeholders to address the crisis and ensure that all children in Nigeria have access to the nutrition they need to survive and thrive.