The Paediatric Association of Nigeria has sounded the alarm over escalating child malnutrition rates, identifying it as a major contributor to 45% of childhood deaths in the country.
“The burden of malnutrition in Nigerian children is alarming as it directly reflects the state of the national economy,” said the association’s President, Ekanem Ekure, during the 56th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Gombe State. The theme of the conference was “Intersectoral Collaboration in Advancing Child Health and Development.”
Ekure highlighted the impact of economic challenges, including exchange rate fluctuations, rising fuel costs, and low wages, on family finances. “With low family finances, food security dwindles, food supply becomes inadequate, and children bear the brunt,” she noted.
She revealed that the prevalence of stunting in under-five children has risen from 37% in 2018 to 40% in 2023, marking the highest rate globally. Stunting, caused by prolonged starvation, leads to increased mortality risk, poor cognitive development, low productivity, and reduced contributions to the national economy. The proportion of underweight children also grew from 22% in 2018 to 27% in 2023, placing more children at risk of severe malnutrition.
“About two million Nigerian children suffered from severe acute malnutrition in 2023, a leading cause of death among under-five children,” Ekure stated, attributing the crisis to reduced farming activities due to climate change, natural disasters like flooding, and insecurity.
Ekure stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for good childhood nutrition, lamenting the stagnant rate of 29% for exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months between 2018 and 2023. “Improving family finances could significantly enhance exclusive breastfeeding rates and infant nutrition,” she added.
The association also flagged poor school enrollment rates, noting that only 67% of young children in Nigeria access free and compulsory basic education. “One out of every five out-of-school children globally is in Nigeria, with girls disproportionately affected. Africa also has the highest concentration of child brides,” Ekure warned.
Calling for urgent action, Ekure urged parents to prioritize children’s rights to nutrition, healthcare, and education. She also appealed to the government to enhance child protection and safety measures in communities.
The Paediatric Association’s warnings underscore the urgent need for intersectoral collaboration to address Nigeria’s worsening child malnutrition crisis and its long-term impacts on national development.
