Malnutrition Cases Surge By 40% In Nigeria, NNTWG Raises The Alarm

The National Nutrition Technical Working Group (NNTWG), in collaboration with FHI 360/Alive and Thrive, has raised the alarm over the rising malnutrition rates in Nigeria, with the latest data showing a troubling increase in child stunting rates, rising from 37 per cent to 40 per cent.

NNTWG chairperson Ngozi Nnam disclosed this during the second and third-quarter meetings in Abuja yesterday.

She expressed concern over the worsening situation, stating, “We have regressed instead of making progress. It’s not an encouraging development, and we are here to aggressively address this issue. Our goal is to ensure that in the next report, we see significant improvements.”

Nam emphasised the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat the rising malnutrition crisis, particularly its devastating impact on children.

She attributed much of the setback to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted food production, social security, and childcare systems.

“The COVID era disrupted many aspects of life, and it’s not surprising that our malnutrition rates haven’t improved. This trend was seen globally,” she said, adding that lack of funding and inadequate support systems have further compounded the situation.

She highlighted the need for a consortium to study the pandemic’s lasting effects on malnutrition and food security, with a focus on improving child health outcomes. Despite the current challenges, Nam remains optimistic, believing that with the right strategies and collaborations, Nigeria can reduce its alarming malnutrition rates.

For his part, NNTWG vice chairman Salisu Abubakar added that the group’s work involves coordinating nutrition activities across multiple sectors.

He noted that while efforts have predominantly focused on maternal and child nutrition, there is a growing recognition of the need to address malnutrition among school-age children, adolescents, and the elderly.

Abubakar explained, “Most cases of malnutrition we focus on involve children and women, particularly those aged 0-5 and mothers. But it’s time to fill the gap for school-age children, adolescents, and even the elderly, who also face malnutrition challenges.”

As Nigeria grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, the NNTWG is committed to ensuring that nutrition is addressed across the entire life cycle, working towards reducing stunting and improving national health outcomes.

He emphasised that the latest National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), though yet to be officially released, indicates a rise in stunting from 37 per cent in 2018 to 40 per cent —a development that underscores the pressing need for action.