By Donald Khadi Philips
“By 2025, over one million children in Nigeria will face the devastating reality of acute malnutrition,” reads a distressing report by Save the Children International (SCI). This stark warning should serve as a wake-up call, not just to policymakers but to every Nigerian. Malnutrition, particularly in children, poses a significant threat to the health, development, and future of our nation. Yet, despite its urgency, the necessary response has often been met with inadequate measures.
The projection by SCI underscores a grave challenge that, if left unaddressed, will undermine our collective progress. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent the lives of over a million children who, without timely intervention, will suffer from weakened immune systems, stunted growth, and cognitive impairment. These children, many of whom are already vulnerable due to socioeconomic and environmental factors, face increased susceptibility to illness and, ultimately, death.
The report points to ongoing issues such as food insecurity, poverty, and displacement caused by conflict, which have intensified malnutrition in affected regions. According to SCI, “Nigeria remains one of the top ten countries in the world with the highest rates of child malnutrition.” This dire situation is further exacerbated by limited access to health facilities and inadequate nutrition programs, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas.
It is crucial to understand that malnutrition is not merely a health issue but a social and economic crisis. When children are malnourished, they are less likely to perform well in school, limiting their future prospects and reducing the productivity potential of Nigeria’s workforce. The economic implications are severe: a malnourished child is more likely to become a burden on health systems and less likely to contribute to the economy in the long run.
For the Nigerian government and its partners, the time to act is now. Comprehensive strategies must be developed and implemented to address the root causes of malnutrition. First, there is an urgent need for targeted nutrition programs that provide adequate food supplies and essential nutrients to vulnerable children and families. These programs should be rolled out nationwide, with particular focus on conflict-affected and rural areas where the impact of malnutrition is most severe.
Public awareness campaigns are also essential. Many Nigerians are not fully informed about the impacts of malnutrition on children’s health and the broader economy. Initiatives that educate parents, caregivers, and communities about proper nutrition and the need for balanced diets can go a long way in reducing malnutrition rates. For instance, promoting locally available and affordable nutritious foods can help improve dietary habits among low-income families.
Meanwhile, the private sector has a significant role to play in combating this crisis. Food companies, particularly those that produce affordable staples, can invest in fortifying their products with essential vitamins and minerals. In countries facing similar crises, private-sector involvement has proven to be a powerful force for change.
The issue of funding cannot be overlooked. A long-term commitment from both local and international stakeholders is required to secure the resources needed for effective nutrition programs. This involves mobilizing public and private funding and ensuring that every naira or dollar invested goes directly to programs that will yield measurable results.
Community-based approaches, such as the use of local healthcare workers to monitor child growth and nutritional health, are also effective in addressing malnutrition. These workers can identify at-risk children early on, allowing for timely interventions. With adequate training and support, these community members can become the frontline defenders against malnutrition.
The government must also address the structural factors exacerbating this crisis, such as poverty, lack of access to clean water, and inadequate healthcare. Addressing poverty, for instance, will require targeted economic policies that improve income and employment opportunities, particularly for women, who are often primary caregivers.
Collaboration is key. Local governments, NGOs, and international organizations need to work together to create a cohesive response to the malnutrition crisis. Successful examples from other countries show that when efforts are unified, the impact is profound. Multi-sectoral partnerships can leverage each organization’s strengths, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to tackling malnutrition.
Accountability is another critical factor. Monitoring and evaluation frameworks should be established to track the progress of nutrition programs and ensure that interventions are achieving the desired outcomes. Transparent reporting on these programs will not only boost public confidence but also attract further investment.
If Nigeria is to prevent the malnutrition crisis projected by SCI, there can be no delay in taking decisive action. Every child deserves the right to a healthy start in life, and no child should suffer the consequences of malnutrition in a nation with the potential resources to prevent it. Addressing malnutrition is not merely a matter of alleviating hunger but of securing a brighter, healthier, and more productive future for Nigeria.
It is often said that the true wealth of a nation lies in its people. For Nigeria to harness this wealth, we must start by investing in the health and well-being of our children. The choices made today will determine whether the next generation thrives or merely survives. As citizens, as leaders, and as stakeholders, let us heed the warning of SCI and work together to change this troubling trajectory.
Donald Khadi Philips, a 300 level student from Mass Communication Department University of Maiduguri.