A severe malnutrition crisis is gripping Nigeria’s Bauchi State, with a staggering 120% increase in cases compared to the previous year.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned that the situation could escalate into a catastrophic health emergency if immediate action is not taken.
Between January and June 2023, MSF recorded over 23,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition, a significant surge driven by factors including poverty, food insecurity, and poor access to healthcare.
The rising cost of basic food items, coupled with the impact of armed conflicts and climate change-induced droughts, has exacerbated the crisis.
Thierry Boyom, MSF’s medical coordinator, highlighted the critical need for urgent intervention.
“The lack of access to health care and water, combined with poor infant-feeding practices and low vaccination rates, is fueling the spread of malnutrition.”
MSF’s treatment centers are overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the influx of severely malnourished children.
The organisation is working to expand its capacity and implement community-based interventions to reach more vulnerable populations.
UNICEF has underscored Nigeria’s alarmingly high rate of child malnutrition, with 45% of under-five deaths linked to malnutrition.
The government of Bauchi State is taking steps to address the crisis, including scaling up micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women and implementing community-based case management programs.
However, the challenges remain significant. The ongoing security crisis, coupled with limited resources, hinders efforts to provide adequate support to those in need.
As the lean season approaches, the situation is expected to worsen. The international community and humanitarian organizations must urgently mobilize resources to prevent a humanitarian disaster and save the lives of countless children.
