‘Malnutrition cases surge by 40% in Nigeria’

Chairperson of National Nutrition Technical Working Group (NNTWG) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, has raised alarm over the rising malnutrition rate in Nigeria. According to her, the latest data showed an increase in child stunting rates from 37 per cent to 40 per cent. Nnam spoke on Thursday […]

Chairperson of National Nutrition Technical Working Group (NNTWG) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, has raised alarm over the rising malnutrition rate in Nigeria.

According to her, the latest data showed an increase in child stunting rates from 37 per cent to 40 per cent.

Nnam spoke on Thursday in Abuja at a two-day meeting held in collaboration with FHI360/ Alive and Thrive, to review progress on Nigeria’s health sector nutrition priorities with the goal of reducing malnutrition.

Expressing concern over the situation, she said, “We have regressed instead of making progress. It’s not an encouraging development, and we are here to aggressively address this issue. Our goal is to ensure that in the next report, we see significant changes.”

Nnam emphasized the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat the rising malnutrition crisis, particularly its devastating impact on children.

She attributed most of the setback to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted food production, social security, and child care systems.

“The COVID era disrupted many aspects of life, and it’s not surprising that our malnutrition rates haven’t improved. This trend was seen globally,” she said, adding that lack of funding and inadequate support systems have further compounded the situation.

She highlighted the need for a consortium to study the lasting effects of the pandemic on malnutrition and food security, with a focus on improving child health outcomes.

Despite the current challenges, Nnam remains optimistic, believing that with the right strategies and collaborations, Nigeria can reduce her alarming malnutrition rate.

Vice Chairman of NNTWG, Salisu Abubakar, said the group’s work involves coordinating nutrition activities across multiple sectors.

He noted that while efforts had predominantly focused on maternal and child nutrition, there is a growing recognition of the need to address malnutrition among school-age children, adolescents, and the elderly.

He said, “Most cases of malnutrition we focus on involve children and women, particularly those aged 0-5 and mothers.

“But it’s time to fill the gap for school-age children, adolescents, and even the elderly, who also face malnutrition challenges.”

Daily Trust reports that FHI 360 Alive/Thrive is a prominent member of the NNTWG.

A&T saves lives, prevents illness, and improves the health and wellbeing of mothers, children, and adolescents by using evidence-based approaches in collaboration with governments and other partners at the national, and community levels.

Some of FHI360 Alive & Thrive support to the government of Nigeria in combatting malnutrition include:

Supporting the Federal government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to carry out the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements Landscape Analysis (MMS-LAN) across 18 states in Nigeria.

Providing technical expertise in the development of the National Social and Behaviour Change Strategy (SBCC) strategy.