Aid cuts could worsen malnutrition in Nigeria, MSF raises alarm

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has raised alarm over recent funding cuts by international donor agencies, warning that these reductions could severely hinder its efforts to combat severe acute malnutrition (SAM), particularly in Northern Nigeria. The organisation revealed that in 2023 alone, one of its health facilities in Katsina State […]

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has raised alarm over recent funding cuts by international donor agencies, warning that these reductions could severely hinder its efforts to combat severe acute malnutrition (SAM), particularly in Northern Nigeria.

The organisation revealed that in 2023 alone, one of its health facilities in Katsina State treated over 25,000 malnourished children, equivalent to admitting a patient every five minutes during peak periods.

In a statement issued by Dr. Simba Tirima, MSF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, the organisation highlighted that funding cuts from agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are impacting interventions not only in malnutrition but also in maternal mortality and infectious diseases.

Tirima appealed for increased funding as Nigeria approaches the “lean season” between June and August, when malnutrition cases typically spike.

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“Nigeria is about to enter the peak season of malnutrition, which continues to affect more children. Investing in reducing malnutrition isn’t just humane; it’s an investment in Nigeria’s future prosperity,” Tirima said.

He further stated that in 2024, more than 250,000 children with SAM were admitted into MSF-supported outpatient programmes, while 76,000 children with medical complications were treated in stabilisation centres-a 38% and 53% increase, respectively, compared to 2023.

Despite preparations for a potential surge in cases, MSF warned that funding cuts and logistical challenges, especially with USAID, will inevitably affect their operations in northern regions.

Earlier in March, MSF reported that over 854 children died in its facilities across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina due to malnutrition exacerbated by armed conflict and restricted access to healthcare.