The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that over 5.5 million children in Northern Nigeria are suffering from severe malnutrition, a crisis that continues to worsen in the region.
UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate disclosed the alarming statistic during a conference in Gusau the capital of Zamfara State on Wednesday, calling for immediate action from local governments and partners to address the growing problem.
“Malnutrition in children remains one of the most urgent challenges we face in Northern Nigeria,” Munduate said, stressing that this issue is compounded by a lack of adequate healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation in many parts of the region.
She urged the governments of Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states to commit $15 million in matching grants to help improve conditions for the affected populations.
Munduate also pointed to other critical issues, including the prevalence of open defecation, which she described as a major cause of disease outbreaks. “Open defecation is contributing to preventable diseases that undermine our efforts to combat malnutrition and other health crises,” she explained.
The UNICEF representative noted the need for collaboration with local stakeholders to tackle these challenges. “We must work together to provide essential healthcare, nutrition, and education to these children,” she said. “Our collective efforts can improve the lives of millions.”
