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More resources – not fewer – are needed to combat malnutrition in northern Nigeria

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More resources – not fewer – are needed to combat malnutrition in northern Nigeria


By Dr. Simba Tirima

MSF’s outgoing country representative in Nigeria, Dr Simba Tirima, reflects on how the disruption of aid will impact the long-term response to combating malnutrition, maternal mortality, and infectious diseases.


For the last (almost) eight years, I have had the privilege of calling Nigeria home. First as a deputy head of mission and now as the country representative, I have seen first-hand how my organization, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has responded with compassion in the face of disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and recurring crises.

I have also seen how other organisations – both international and local – have stepped up to support authorities in tackling many of these same issues. We at MSF know we can’t fix every global medical issue by ourselves; partnerships are critical.

In many ways, MSF remains as stable as ever. Because 99 percent of our funding comes from individual donors, our decisions are dictated by patients’ needs and not political priorities. But with the dramatic draw-down of funding from the US and other rich countries, we will all feel those impacts.

Nigeria is about to enter the peak season of malnutrition, which continues to afflict more Nigerian children than when I first moved here. It’s a serious condition that is not only dangerous or deadly in the short term but can also lead to long term developmental issues; stunting can occur even from moderate malnutrition. Investing in the reduction of malnutrition isn’t just humane – it’s an investment in Nigeria’s future prosperity.


In 2024, more than 250,000 children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were admitted to MSF- supported outpatient facilities (Out-Patient Therapeutic Program, OTP) and 76,000 acutely malnourished children with medical complications to inpatient facilities (Stabilization Centers, SC), representing an increase of 38 percent and 53 percent respectively compared to 2023.


In many of our hospitals last year, our teams saw so many children that we had to increase bed capacity, open every emergency tent we had, put mattresses in corridors and every available space, and treat two or three children per bed. Just in the case of one hospital – Katsina Hospital, the largest of our hospitals focused on malnutrition – we struggled to support the more than 25,000 children admitted to hospital over the course of the year. During the malnutrition peak, we often admitted a child every 5 minutes at the hospital because of complications of acute malnutrition. Overall, the Katsina ITFC admissions were 35 percent higher than in 2024.

Late last year, a food insecurity and malnutrition analysis – led by the Nigerian government – projected that 33.1 million people will face high levels of acute food insecurity during the 2025 lean season (June to August) — seven million more people affected than in 2024.

As we near the lean season this year, these projections are already tracking. Many of our hospitals are already seeing higher numbers than last year. In the most northwestern state of Kebbi for example, just in the month of April we admitted 41.8 percent more patients than in April 2024. In Kano State, one MSF-supported Ministry of Health primary inpatient therapeutic feeding centre (ITFC) – Unguwa Uku Primary Health Centre – is at full capacity; we are projecting that the other one we support – ITFC at Murtala Mohamed Hospital – will also soon hit capacity. MSF-supported facilities across northern Nigeria are likely to face an influx of patients, as in many areas—such as Shinkafi and Zurmi in Zamfara State—MSF is the sole provider of inpatient care for malnourished children.


While we are making the necessary arrangements to treat these projected number of patients by expanding bed capacity, recruiting more health care workers, and starting mobile clinic activities, the cuts and changes in logistics around USAID will inevitably have an impact on the northern region, where we treat people. UNICEF, for example, receives most of its funding from USAID and is a leading distributor of life-saving ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to international, national, and local organizations. Many questions and concerns remain about how these drastic changes will disrupt the flow of food to those who need it most. As more children than ever are projected to suffer from malnutrition, we need more resources – not fewer – to ensure they survive the lean season.

There are no shortages of factors contributing to this crisis. A devastating mix of rising food prices, displacement, insecurity, climate-induced crop failures, low immunisation coverage, and a lack of drinkable water and sanitation leave more children susceptible to developing malnutrition. Sustainable strategies to mitigate these factors must continue to be developed – including by MSF. But having worked on this issue for years, I know that aid funding for food alone will not solve the problem. Without it, Nigerian children will continue to die.


For decades, the humanitarian sector has operated under the assumption that if one donor withdrew, another would step in. That assumption no longer holds. New donors and solutions are critically needed at this moment to analyze RUTF needs and treatment gaps, invest in vaccination and primary health care, and tackle malnutrition in northern Nigeria.
Make no mistake, this seismic structural collapse will produce ripple effects for generations, the scale as big as pandemics. Some of those ripples will be more obvious than others, but we will all feel the impacts in one way or another. It’s up to all of us to correct the course today.

More resources – not fewer – are needed to combat malnutrition in northern Nigeria

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Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

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Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack on residents at Dutse Uku in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A security source said the troops responded swiftly to a report of sporadic gunshots in the area at about 11:50 p.m. on April 2.

According to the source, upon arrival at the scene, the suspected criminals fled, abandoning their operation due to the prompt intervention of the troops.

He said the troops rescued two victims who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and immediately evacuated them to a hospital for medical attention.

The source further disclosed that two suspects, dressed in black attire, were arrested at the scene.

Items recovered from the suspects include a cutlass and a knife.

He added that the suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group.

Zagazola report that despite heightened security, there has been report of pocket of attacks in some communities.

The source reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.

Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

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2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election

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2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election

Yamaltu/Deba constituents have declared support for President Bola Tinubu and Senator Danjuma Goje’s re-election ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Dr Newton Moses, declared the support in a statement read on behalf of the people of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State on Friday in Gombe.

Moses said voting for experienced leaders in 2027 remained key to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

He said the group’s decision to support Tinubu and Goje was guided by patriotism, and a sincere desire to see competent, and result-driven leadership that would benefit their constituents and the country.

He said that Goje’s leadership in the past 16 years at the Senate has benefitted the constituents and given effective representation to the people of Akko and Yamaltu/Deba LGAs that make up the district.

He dismissed allegations that the people of Yamaltu/Deba have been marginalised and were demanding the seat to be zoned to Yamaltu/Deba and not Akko where Goje is from.

He said that the constitution did not impose any zoning limitation or tenure restriction on membership in the National Assembly, hence urged those seeking the seat to test their popularity through election.

“We are not part of that group saying Goje should not return to the senate in 2027; that is not the voice of the grassroots from Yamaltu Deba.

“ Goje has, over the years, built invaluable networks and acquired the experience necessary to effectively advocate for the interests of his constituency and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“ By returning Goje to the Senate, Gombe Central stands to gain even more.

“ His established influence will ensure greater access to federal opportunities, increased developmental projects, and stronger representation in critical national decisions,” he said.

The group further advised President Tinubu to stay away from those working to tarnish the good name of Goje, stating that Goje’s influence in Gombe was important for the success of the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Moses said at a time when Nigeria is focused on economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and inclusive growth under Tinubu, it was imperative that proven leaders like Goje to continue contributing his expertise toward national progress.

2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election

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Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows

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Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows

By Comrade Philip O. Ikodor

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation (AMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers, marked the Easter season with a heartwarming outreach to military widows at different locations in Abuja and Nasarawa state, respectively on April 2nd, 2026. This thoughtful initiative was designed to bring joy, hope, and support to the widows of our fallen Military Officers, who have made immense sacrifices for their country.

“Easter is the season of renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness,” Princess Ashlee said. “It reminds us that even after the longest winter, spring arrives and even after the deepest sorrow, there is the possibility of a new dawn.” The outreach was designed to show support and encouragement to the military widows, and to felicitate with them on the occasion of Easter.

Princess Ashlee Momoh reassured the widows that while their loved ones are no longer physically present, their legacy lives on, and AMF is committed to standing with them, supporting them, and celebrating their strength. “Today, we celebrate you, our heroes’ widows, and the sacrifices you’ve made,” she said.

The event was filled with moments of joy and fulfilment, as beneficiaries received gift items, cash gifts, and scholarship opportunities. The Foundation also announced enlistment for skill acquisition and empowerment programs, aimed at equipping the widows with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

The outreach was a testament to AMF’s unwavering commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers, and its dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have made immense sacrifices for their country. As one beneficiary put it, “This Easter, we’ve received more than just gifts – we’ve received hope, love, and a sense of belonging.”

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation’s Easter outreach was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, and that together, we can overcome any challenge.

Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows

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