Metro News Africa

The Plight of Mothers in Kano By Mohammed Taoheed Amidst a distressing surge in malnutrition-related fatalities in Kano State, the plight of mothers tackling this crisis is thrust into the limelight. This report highlights the government’s disregard for the escalating situation, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action. Hafsat Kabir’s anguish resurfaces as she recalls the loss of her first child to malnutrition in 2015. Years later, the fear of another tragic loss gnaws at her soul, a stark reminder of the heartache she endured. In the wake of her fourth child’s birth last year, Hafsat grappled with looming despair as she battled illness, and her newborn grew weaker. Financial constraints confined her from seeking prompt medical aid, leading to the tragic demise of her baby. The burden of preserving her child’s health forced Hafsat to forsake her teaching career, resorting to menial work while burdened by debt and the profound grief of losing her child. Hafsat’s ordeal mirrors that of countless families in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, encapsulating the alarming prevalence of malnutrition. According to UNICEF, an estimated 2 million Nigerian children endure severe acute malnutrition, with 37% under the age of 5 exhibiting stunted growth. This places Nigeria as the second-most stunted nation globally, underscoring the urgency for decisive measures. Data unveils a harrowing reality as approximately 1.5 million children under five in Kano State suffer from stunting, spotlighting the dire necessity for immediate intervention. Compounding this crisis is the limited access to quality healthcare in rural communities, where families grapple with affording basic necessities and transportation costs to urban medical facilities. The responsibility of caring for malnourished children predominantly falls on unemployed mothers, compelling them to accrue debt or endure arduous journeys to access healthcare centers, often with uncertain prospects of receiving essential treatment. An anonymous doctor at Gano PHC in Dawakin Kudu LGA disclosed the facility’s deficiency in resources and specialized training to effectively manage malnourished patients, primarily issuing referrals, exposing the gaps in the healthcare system. Similarly, Dawakiji PHC in the same local government echoed the inadequacies, underscoring the systemic hurdles impeding effective treatment for malnourished children in Kano State. A somber scene unfolds in Tarauni LGA, with over 1,000 mothers congregating at Unguwa Uku PHC, each cradling their emaciated babies, a poignant testament to the widespread tragedy. Among them, Fatimah Musa’s distress unfolds, as traditional remedies prove futile, subjecting her to financial strain and her baby’s deteriorating health, accentuating the crippling impact of food insecurity on her family. Furthermore, a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Kano amplifies the malnutrition crisis, exacerbating the vulnerability of children. Dr. Mahmoud Abubakar Mukaram, Registrar, Department of Family Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Kebbi State, stresses the government’s imperative role in addressing inadequate breastfeeding practices and promoting nutritional awareness among mothers to mitigate the risk of malnutrition. The burden of malnutrition reverberates through the poignant narratives of Haneefah Buhari, Fateemah Muazu, Aisha Tijjani, and countless others, encapsulating the despair and helplessness etched into their lives by this crisis. The gripping stories of these mothers echo the urgency for comprehensive measures to combat malnutrition in Kano State, amplifying the pressing need for immediate intervention to alleviate the profound suffering inflicted upon children and their families.Malnutrition Crisis in Kano State: A Looming Catastrophe

Ifunanya / February 20, 2024

A 29-year-old mother from Dawakin Kudu, Kano, was devastated when she discovered her child’s malnourishment during a visit to the