KANO, Nigeria – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised the alarm over severe child malnutrition in Kano State, revealing that 51.9% of children under five are stunted due to chronic undernutrition.
Speaking during the handover of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in Takai Local Government Area, Mr Rahma Farah, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, described the figures as “deeply alarming.” Represented by Dr Serekeberehan Deres, Farah said, “This means one in every two children in Kano is not growing well. Over 10% are wasted—dangerously thin for their height—putting them at high risk of death.”
He called for urgent multi-sectoral collaboration to address the crisis, adding that “investment in child nutrition is one of the most cost-effective strategies for national development.”
Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, assured stakeholders of government commitment. “We have initiated programmes targeting maternal and child health and will continue to collaborate with UNICEF and development partners to improve outcomes,” he stated.
Malnutrition, particularly stunting and wasting, remains a leading contributor to child mortality, poor cognitive development, and diminished educational attainment in northern Nigeria. Experts warn that without swift intervention; the region may suffer long-term socio-economic setbacks.
