Nigeria is unfortunately grappling with a significant malnutrition crisis, ranking among the countries with the highest burden of malnutrition globally. This crisis is concentrated mostly in the northwest and northeast, although no region is completely spared.
The underlying reasons for this situation are multifaceted, including the nature of governance over several years, population dynamics with high dependency in the context of mass poverty in parts of the north, coupled with insecurity in certain areas—although it is improving—the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and food systems, feeding practices, and the societal economic disempowerment of girls and women.
According to recent UNICEF reports, it reviled approximately 2 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (#SAM), with 40% of these cases concentrated in six states. More than 6 million children are moderately malnourished, and many women (pregnant and lactating) suffer from micronutrient deficiencies.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President , we are now facing this crisis head-on. Addressing malnutrition is not only a moral imperative but also essential for improving health and ensuring the nation’s sustainable development.
Our inter-ministerial and multi-partner meeting today was convened to assess ongoing efforts to tackle this crisis effectively. We appreciate the contributions of @UNICEF, @MSF, the @WorldBank, @WFP, @RESCUEorg, BMGF @gatesfoundation, @fhi360, and several others who joined my colleagues from the government. They are encouraged by the potential to immediately unlock $30 million from the World Bank’s #ANRIN project, as well as a potential 1:1 match from the Child Nutrition Fund.
They have established a ministerial task force to quickly develop a realistic yet ambitious action plan, focusing on immediate resource mobilization and practical actions to deliver solutions to those who need them most. This plan takes into account the substantial burden on girls and women alongside children.
Enhanced coordination is crucial, along with a strong bias for action. We will monitor progress and ensure accountability in deploying urgent interventions, including the distribution of micronutrient powders, therapeutic foods, and other nutritional supplements.
They will harness local production of therapeutic foods and other community-based interventions, strengthening and extending beyond the 1,192 treatment sites already in operation, mostly in primary healthcare centers.
They call on State Governments @NIGERIAGOVNORS, to also be on heightened alert. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and Nigeria will get through it with the steady, courageous leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.