Nigeria has most malnourished children in Africa, says UNICEF
UNICEF has raised alarm over growing hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria, warning that the country now has the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and the second highest in the world.
At a briefing in Abuja, UNICEF’s Chief of Nutrition, Nemat Hajeebhoy, said the situation could get worse if urgent action is not taken.
“Nigeria has the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and the second in the world,” she was quoted by Sahara Reporters.
She explained that around 600,000 Nigerian children are already suffering from acute malnutrition and that half of them are at risk of becoming severely malnourished.
According to UNICEF, children in this condition are up to 11 times more likely to die than healthy children.
The World Food Programme also voiced concern, warning that Nigeria has the highest number of people facing food insecurity on the continent.
The warning comes as aid agencies prepare for the 2025 lean season in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, regions still struggling with conflict and poverty.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it urgently needs $300 million to respond to the crisis.
Trond Jensen, who leads OCHA in Nigeria, said more than half that amount is needed just to provide food, healthcare, clean water, and shelter.
He warned that funding delays and cuts are already affecting efforts.
OCHA has already reduced its response plan from four million people to two million because of a $58 million funding shortfall.
Donor support has declined, with a freeze on US funding and cuts from other partners forcing aid groups to scale back.
Agencies are now calling on governments and international donors to act quickly to stop the crisis from deepening.
