Levels of global acute malnutrition have doubled since last year in parts of northwest Nigeria

Despite this, global funding cuts are reducing the ability of organisations to respond and treat children with malnutrition. Insufficient amounts of therapeutic food globally have been a challenge over the last year, and this is still worsening. In some areas, such as Zamfara, there have only been limited supplies available since March. UNICEF has recently launched a global appeal with fears that nearly two million children across 12 countries are at risk of death due to these shortages.

“We have consistently raised the alarm about the escalating malnutrition crisis in northern Nigeria, and the findings of recent surveys confirm our worst fears—conditions have not improved; they have significantly deteriorated,” says Dr Simba Tirima, country representative for MSF in Nigeria. “This year, our teams across locations such as Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and Maiduguri have been overwhelmed by an unprecedented number of malnourished children requiring urgent care. We have utilised every available resource, from overflow tents to spare mattresses, to manage the influx of patients arriving at our hospitals.”

“Without meaningful and immediate action, I fear the situation could worsen dramatically in the coming year,” he says. “We recognise the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s recent and ongoing efforts towards tackling malnutrition. If all stakeholders increase funding and ensure a reliable supply of therapeutic food, there is hope that we can save the lives of many children next year.”

MSF runs nutrition projects in seven states in Nigeria: Borno, Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi. We have 10 inpatient facilities, including facilities in Maiduguri and Katsina city, as well as over 30 outpatient feeding centres to treat children with moderate and severe malnutrition who do not need to be admitted to hospital.