Malnutrition Crisis Hits Nigeria: Humanitarian Organisation Raises Alarm Over 40% Increase in Admissions

A devastating malnutrition crisis is unfolding in Nigeria, with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warning of a 40 per cent average increase in admissions over the past year. The humanitarian organisation revealed that Bauchi State, in particular, is facing a critical situation, with 17,223 malnourished children reported in the first quarter of 2024.

According to MSF, the rise in malnutrition admissions is unprecedented, with admissions in Bauchi increasing by 127 per cent for Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centers (ITFCs) and 123 per cent for local Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centers (ATFCs) compared to the same period in 2023. The organisation has scaled up its response in the area by increasing bed capacity at the ITFC in Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

MSF’s Project Coordinator for Bauchi, Rabi Adamou, expressed concern over the drastic rise in admissions, noting that it is putting a strain on resources as the peak malnutrition season approaches. The organisation has been supporting the local health system in Bauchi State since 2012, responding to disease outbreaks such as cholera, diphtheria, and Lassa fever, and providing medical care, training medical staff, and conducting health promotion activities.

To address the situation, MSF is planning to implement new community-level activities, including Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM/iCCM+) and “Parent MUAC” to train parents and caregivers to detect early signs of malnutrition at home. The organisation has been operating a 250-bed ITFC and an inpatient pediatric department in Kafin Madaki General Hospital, in addition to providing medical care and treatment to malnourished children.

Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA), commended MSF for its efforts in addressing the malnutrition crisis in the state, noting that apart from treating malnourished children, the organisation is also training the communities and health workers to identify five aspects of their work, including malnutrition.

The MSF’s warning comes at a critical time, as the organisation emphasizes the need for immediate support to address the escalating crisis. As the peak malnutrition season approaches, it is essential for Nigeria to take decisive action to address the underlying causes of malnutrition and provide urgently needed support to affected communities.

(Sources: MSF’s press conference, Bauchi State)