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New data shows extremely critical levels of malnutrition in parts of northwest Nigeria
New data shows extremely critical levels of malnutrition in parts of northwest Nigeria
By:Our Reporter
Extremely critical levels of malnutrition found in the conclusions of a survey done by the humanitarian medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) / Doctors Without Borders. The survey was conducted on 2,066 children of three local government areas (LGA) of Katsina State, in collaboration with Epicentre (MSF’s epidemiology arm) and the Katsina State Ministry of Health. It shows that in some areas, levels of global acute malnutrition have doubled since last year, when the situation was already considered dire. Aid in this region has never been enough to meet the needs and is now decreasing even further. MSF draws attention to the immediate additional support needed to avoid a deadlier catastrophe in 2025.
The survey was done in July in the LGAs of Katsina, Jibia and Mashi shows a major nutritional crisis underway with over 30 per cent of children suffering from global acute malnutrition (GAM) in some areas and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) rates — the most dangerous form of malnutrition — between 6.8 per cent and 14.4 per cent. People in these areas are at the extremely critical level of malnutrition according to the integrated food security phase classification for acute malnutrition. MSF has continued to see an increase in malnutrition admissions since the survey was conducted.
This survey has been carried out yearly since 2022 at the same period in the same areas and with the same methodology to estimate the prevalence of acute malnutrition in children aged six months to almost five years of age, the GAM levels in the first survey were 22 per cent. Nutritional status of children six to 59 months was assessed using a combination of three methodologies: mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), bilateral pitting oedema, and weight-for-height z-score (WHZ).
“These survey results are, quite frankly, terrifying. We have seen figures rising steadily for the past couple of years and now we are moving from critical to extremely critical levels. In one area of the state, Mashi LGA, we found 14% of children we surveyed were severely malnourished, prevalence this high is catastrophic. We really need to see more, not less action from organisations, otherwise we are going to see children dying in record numbers,” says Dr, Raphael Kananga, MSF Medical Coordinator.
As a result of this situation, MSF, which runs four therapeutic treatment centers for malnourished children in Katsina state, has provided care to more children this year, in more severe states of malnutrition, of which more had to be hospitalised. In total, our medical teams have attended more than 100,000 malnourished children from January until now, which represents a 20 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Admissions for hospitalisation have increased by more than 50 per cent compared to 2022 and 2023, and more than 800 children could not be saved due to too severe conditions and died in our facilities in Katsina state between January and September 2024.
The projections of a further deterioration in food insecurity for the near future are also very worrying. Inflation is currently very high in Nigeria, the devaluation of the local currency is continuing, agricultural yields have strongly decreased again this year. The cost of living is increasing, insecurity remains a concern in several parts of the region, and climate events are expected to continue – impacting livestock and crops. All of these factors mean that if no additional support is set in place, MSF fears a deadlier catastrophe in 2025. However, despite the huge increases in prevalence of global acute malnutrition, for example by over 75 per cent in Jibia LGA, one area surveyed, Katsina state, along with the rest of the northwest region is still not included in the UN’s humanitarian response plan for Nigeria.
Earlier this year, MSF conducted a mass screening in several areas of Zamfara state and found 27 per cent of children suffering from global acute malnutrition. This is a trend we are seeing across all our nutrition facilities in northern Nigeria. Overall, MSF medical teams responding in seven states spanning northern Nigeria have treated 294,000 children for malnutrition between January – September this year. This is 43 percent higher than the number of children treated in that same period in 2023.
Despite this, global funding cuts are reducing organisations’ ability to respond and treat children with malnutrition. Insufficient amounts of therapeutic food globally have been a challenge over the last year and are still worsening. In some areas, such as Zamfara, there have only been limited supplies available since March. UNICEF has recently launched a global appeal with fears that nearly two million children across 12 countries are at risk of death due to these shortages.
“We have consistently raised the alarm about the escalating malnutrition crisis in northern Nigeria, and the findings of recent surveys confirm our worst fears—conditions have not improved; they have significantly deteriorated. This year, our teams across locations such as Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and Maiduguri have been overwhelmed by an unprecedented number of malnourished children requiring urgent care. We have utilised every available resource, from overflow tents to spare mattresses, to manage the influx of patients arriving at our hospitals. Without meaningful and immediate action, I fear the situation could worsen dramatically in the coming year. We recognise the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s recent and ongoing efforts towards tackling malnutrition. If all stakeholders increase funding and ensure a reliable supply of therapeutic food, there is hope that we can save the lives of many children next year.” Dr. Simba Tirima, Country Representative for MSF in Nigeria.
MSF runs nutrition projects in seven states in Nigeria: Borno, Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi. This involves 10 inpatient facilities including those in Maiduguri, and in Katsina city and over 30 outpatient feeding centres across these states to treat children with moderate and severe malnutrition who do not need to be admitted to hospital.
New data shows extremely critical levels of malnutrition in parts of northwest Nigeria
News
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
By: Our Reporter
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has donated soap-making machines and office furniture to the Borno State Government as part of its efforts to empower Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through vocational training and livelihood support.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, received the items during an official handover ceremony at the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri.
The donation, which includes two sets of soap-making machines equipped with mixers, crushers, driers, extruders, and tables, as well as 30 chairs and office furniture to replace items damaged by recent floods, reflects UNHCR’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in crisis-affected areas.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Nicholas Kaburaburyo, emphasized the organization’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with the government and the Ministry of Education. He highlighted UNHCR’s role in facilitating the repatriation, resettlement, and livelihood reintegration of returnees, particularly through vocational training programs.
Engr. Wakilbe commended UNHCR for its unwavering support, noting that the donation aligns with the state government’s resettlement and empowerment initiatives. He revealed that nine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in Borno are actively training IDPs, with the vision of transforming the state into a hub for skilled artisans.
The Commissioner also directed the Director of Science and Technology to commence training for master trainers at the Borno State Vocational Enterprise Institute (BOSVEI) in Muna, with the goal of launching the IDP training program by January 2025.
Zakaria Ahmed, Coordinator of BOSVEI Muna, and Ali Musa, Director of Administration and Supplies in the Ministry of Education, expressed their gratitude to UNHCR. They acknowledged that the donation would significantly enhance vocational training opportunities for IDPs and improve working conditions within the ministry.
This initiative underscores UNHCR’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and fostering sustainable development in Borno State. Through such efforts, the organization continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by conflict and disaster.
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, recently visited Bokkos council Area to engage with stakeholders, discuss peace building strategies and find possible ways to eliminate all threats to peace and security in the area.
The meeting which was attended by council Chairman, Amalau Samuel and his Management Team, as well as Community/Religious Leaders, Youth/Women Leaders, and Security Help Groups arrived at silent resolutions for the peace to remain intact during the yuletide period.
A statement from the police spokesman Alfred Alabo stated that during the meeting, discussions focused on salient issues such as the incessant attacks, farmer/herder clashes, and cattle/animal rustling in the council area.
The release noted that the stakeholders expressed their concerns over the rising levels of insecurity within the area even as they pleaded with the Commissioner of Police to help them ensure peace and calmness within the area.
The stake holders also pledged their support and cooperation to the Police in their efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of residents in Bokkos area.
“They also agreed to work together through intelligence sharing, to identify and address the root causes of the security challenges facing some communities in the LGA.
“CP Adesina assured the stakeholders of his Command’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in Bokkos council area emphasizing the need for collaboration and information sharing between the Police and the community, to effectively combat crime and maintain peace in the area.
“He further assured them that efforts are being made to deploy additional manpower and logistics to major flashpoints within the area, to forestall any future threats.
“Chairman, Amalau Samuel while responding thanked the CP for his unflinching commitment towards attending to their needs and ensuring that Bokkos council area is peaceful and safe for all to live in.
“He assured the CP that the council Area under his watch will continue to support the Police, untill all criminal elements are flushed out.
“The chair warned all those who intend to cause mayhem especially during this festive period, to desist from such plans, as his administration will not fold it’s hand and watch them destroy the fragile peace currently being enjoyed.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains dedicated to its mandate of protecting lives and property in the state.” Noted the release.
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
By: Zagazola Makama
A deadly clash of supremacy between rival terrorist factions has claimed the lives of 15 Boko Haram fighters, with five Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members sustaining injuries.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the confrontation occurred when ISWAP launched a coordinated attack on Boko Haram fighters loyal to the Bakura Buduma faction.
The assault, aimed at asserting dominance, led to significant losses on the Boko Haram side, with ISWAP fighters seizing an undisclosed number of weapons during the confrontation.
The incident marks the latest in a series of violent infightings between the two groups, which have been engaged in a bitter rivalry over resources, territorial control, and influence in the Lake Chad region.
Sources said that the clashes have intensified in recent months as both groups seek to expand their foothold in the area with the Boko Haram faction already gaining upper hand against the ISWAP.
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
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