Nigeria’s Under 5 Mortality Drops By 43% In 30 Years – UNICEF

“This progress proves that when we invest in children’s health and survival, the results are clear and measurable. But the job is not done yet—more needs to be done to ensure every child in Nigeria can survive, learn and thrive,” Farah said.

The report also shows improvements in immunisation, with full vaccination coverage among children aged 12–23 months tripling since 2003—from 13 per cent to 39 per cent. Birth registration is equally rising, which UNICEF says is crucial for access to essential services.

Farah disclosed that in the humanitarian zones across northern Nigeria, more than 1.3 million people accessed health services in the first half of 2025, while 340,000 malnourished children received treatment. Despite these gains, he warned that children in the Northwest, particularly Kano, Katsina and Jigawa, remained exposed to severe and overlapping vulnerabilities.

According to him, malnutrition persists at alarming levels, with more than half of children under five stunted in the three states, as shown by the NDHS 2024, while one in nine children nationwide still dies before their fifth birthday.

He outlined several UNICEF-supported interventions in the region, including solar-powered PHC upgrades in Kano, the CRIBS health facility renovation project funded by the FCDO, integration of Qur’anic schools into formal education, and expanded nutrition financing by state governments.

Farah urged state authorities to scale up efforts across vaccination, nutrition, WASH, education and child protection systems.

“The evidence is clear, Nigeria has made progress. But urgent, sustained and united action is required. Children in Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and across the nation deserve nothing less than our full commitment to safeguarding their future,” he added.