Stakeholders have pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government and development partners to combat the rising malnutrition index in northern Nigeria.
They made the pledge while deliberating on the theme, ‘Malnutrition surge in northern Nigeria: Addressing a looming humanitarian crisis’ during a forum in Abuja on Saturday, organized by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Earlier in June, the Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors without Borders, said its inpatient facilities in northern Nigeria recorded an extraordinary increase in admissions of severely malnourished children with life-threatening complications. It raised an alarm that the number of children attended to at their facility exceeded that of last year’s figures by over 100 per cent in some locations.
MSF said this is an alarming indication of a premature peak of the lean season and the increase in acute malnutrition that accompanies it, which is typically anticipated in July. “We are resorting to treating patients on mattresses on the floor because our facilities are full. Children are dying. If immediate action is not taken, more lives hang in the balance. Everyone needs to step in to save lives and allow the children of northern Nigeria to grow free from malnutrition and its disastrous long-term if not fatal, consequences,” said the MSF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Simba Tirima.
Meanwhile, in his opening remarks at the event, the founder and Chancellor of the Athena Centre, Osita Chidoka called on stakeholders to unite to save the lives of young Nigerians facing acute malnutrition. He emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address this pressing issue. Chidoka highlighted the alarming malnutrition rate in the region and the urgent need for action against it.
The Chancellor called for a national awakening to the malnutrition problem, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts between the federal and state governments, as well as international partners. “This event is about bringing national consciousness to the issue and finding tangible solutions to make sure our people do not suffer from acute hunger”, he said.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, however, announced various interventions by the government, including establishing several treatment sites equipped with locally sourced, ready-to-use therapeutic foods for acute malnutrition cases in the northeast. He highlighted the gaps in the northwest and discussed mobilizing support to fill these gaps, including sourcing millions of doses of micronutrient supplements for distribution across the states. The minister revealed that the FG has approved $11bn to be disbursed among the states of the federation.
He said, “Our children are among the most important assets that this country has. This multi-sectoral body brings together key ministries such as agriculture, health, and education to tackle the systemic issues contributing to malnutrition. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure food security and improve the health of Nigerians in the long term. “A significant portion of the approved funds will be directed towards enhancing 1,200 primary health care centers nationwide. These centers will be better equipped to provide essential services, including the treatment of acute malnutrition. “Additionally, the government has secured a $60m commitment from UNICEF’s Children Nutrition Fund, which will be used to purchase ready-to-use therapeutic foods and other necessary supplies”, Pate added.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, represented by the Director of Nutrition and Food Safety in the Ministry, Mrs Fatima Sugra, outlined plans for long-term food production, fortification, and emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices. He said, “Short-term measures include distributing improved seed varieties and fertilizers to farmers, promoting homestead gardening, and enhancing livestock production.”
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago highlighted the importance of agricultural development as a strategy to combat malnutrition and hunger in the region. Bago emphasized the need for improved agricultural practices to ensure the production of high-quality, nutritious food.
He noted that addressing malnutrition begins with addressing food security, which in turn relies heavily on the agricultural sector. “My administration has focused on diversifying Niger state’s economy through enhanced agricultural production, the state’s efforts to mechanize farming are more efficient and capable of meeting local and broader demands. “Remarkably, Niger State has more mechanization and tractors than the rest of Nigeria combined, showcasing the region’s significant progress in agricultural development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State called for a renewed focus on the North West and North Central regions, urging development partners to avoid regional biases with a sustained focus on the North East. On his part, Governor Umar Dikko Radda of Katsina emphasized the need for immediate action, pledging counterpart funding for interventions in his State. The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who was represented by his deputy, Umar Abubakar Tafida, reiterated the state’s immediate readiness to partner with stakeholders to assist malnourished citizens.
Meanwhile, the Country Director of MSF noted that approximately 2.6 million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition, with another nine million moderately malnourished. The World Bank Lead for Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria, Ritgak Tilley-Gyado proposed actions to improve governance and coordination, create social protection programs, and deploy cross-sectorial nutrition innovations for health and healthy diets.
