Malaria Remains Major Contributor To Child Morbidity In Katsina – MSF

The acting medical team leader of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Katsina State, Dr Ali Baba Nuradeen, has disclosed that malaria ranks among the top three illnesses treated at the organisation’s nutrition facility in the state.

Speaking during activities to mark the 2026 World Malaria Day, Nuradeen said malaria remains a major contributor to child morbidity, particularly among malnourished children receiving care at MSF-supported centres.

According to him, data from the facility shows that, aside from underlying malnutrition, the most common conditions managed are acute watery diarrhea, sepsis, and malaria.

“Malaria is consistently among the top three illnesses we treat in our facility. In many cases, even children presenting with other conditions such as diarrhea and sepsis are also co-infected with malaria,” he said.

He explained that the high burden is largely due to weakened immunity among malnourished children, making them more susceptible to severe malaria infections.

Nuradeen noted that the situation highlights the strong link between malnutrition and infectious diseases, particularly malaria, which continues to affect thousands of children across northern Nigeria.

He added that MSF facilities routinely screen all admitted children for malaria and provide immediate treatment for those who test positive, stressing that no confirmed case is left untreated.

The MSF official further emphasized that despite malaria being preventable and treatable, it remains one of the leading causes of illness among children, especially during peak transmission seasons.

He called for intensified preventive measures, including the use of insecticide-treated nets, environmental sanitation, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention, to reduce the burden of the disease.

“Malaria is still a major public health challenge, but with sustained efforts, we can significantly reduce its impact, especially among vulnerable children,” Nuradeen said.