Malnutrition, biggest threat to child survival in North-East Nigeria – Experts warn

*Seek for prompt release of funding for nutrition to address crises

By Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

Nutrition experts in the country have disclosed that Malnutrition is currently the biggest threat to child survival and development in north-eastern part of the country.

To this end, the experts advocate the need for increased budgetary allocation, prompt release of funds for nutrition and multi-sectoral approach to address the crises.

The United Nations children’s Fund, (UNICEF), while emphasising the priorities of the crises said, the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict and multiple displacement were peculiar contributors to the growing number of children affected by under-nutrition in the region.

Speaking during a three day media dialogue on ‘child malnutrition reporting’ in Borno State on Tuesday, Samuel Sesay, the officer in charge, chief of field office,
UNICEF Maiduguri said, households in the region are presently experiencing unprecedented levels of food crises and hunger.

He said, “In North-East Nigeria, however, conflict, multiple displacement, destruction of source of livelihood for households, destruction of basic infrastructure and services, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are peculiar contributors to the growing number of children affected by undernutrition.

“Household food insecurity, poor infant and young child feeding, care practices, as well as poor feeding environment, hygiene and health services have been identified as the underlying causes of under nutrition in children”.

Sesay who disclosed that malnutrition is the underlying cause of nearly half of all deaths in children under the age of five across the globe said, it is unacceptable that children continue to bear the burden of conflict, climate change and COVID-19.

He stressed the need for government at all levels as well as policy makers to prioritise malnutrition saying, good nutrition helps in nation building.

Sesay added that UNICEF has been supporting government and partners in the north-east region on early detection of cases, referral and management of severe acute malnutrition in children and the provision of ready-to -use therapeutic food in outpatient therapeutic feeding programmes amongst others.

Earlier, UNICEF nutrition manager, Sangita Jacob Dagai said, in the last five years, there has been no significant change in Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD), among children between the ages 6- 23 months in Yobe and Adamawa state.

In her presentation titled: ‘Media partnership on child nutrition in north-east Nigeria’, she however disclosed that there has been a decrease in Borno State.

Dagai who disclosed that maternal and child nutrition are linked revealed that over 60 per cent of women including adolescent girls aged 15 -49 are anemic in Borno and Yobe State.

She added that prevention of malnutrition in the first two years of girl children can help in breaking the cycle of under nutrition.

Also, the Borno state deputy nutrition officer, Alh Abdullahi Madi said, at least 12,410 cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition(SAM) were recorded in the state between January to July 2021.

According to him, while 10,281 of the cases were treated, 57 deaths were recorded.

He listed challenges hindering progress in the fight against malnutrition in the state to include, insecurity, lack of available resources and funds, health services and lack of access to hard to reach areas.