The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that Nigeria holds the highest number of malnourished children in Africa and ranks second globally, behind India. This was revealed by Nemat Hajeebhoy, Chief of Nutrition for UNICEF Nigeria, during a three-day meeting between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and state nutrition managers.
Hajeebhoy highlighted the alarming statistics, noting that Nigeria has between 35 and 45 million children under the age of five. Among them, 12 million suffer from stunting, meaning they are too short for their age; nine million are wasted, meaning they are too thin for their height; and around 24 to 25 million are anemic, indicating a lack of iron and unhealthy blood levels. She stressed that addressing this issue in Nigeria is crucial, as it would have a ripple effect across West Africa and the continent.
Despite the challenges, Hajeebhoy shared some positive news, announcing that 43 million Nigerian children have received vitamin A supplements as part of the maternal, newborn, and child health week campaigns held between May and August across all states. These campaigns also provided deworming tablets to 19 million children and iron or folic acid supplements to over two million pregnant women.
Looking ahead, Hajeebhoy expressed hope for similar success in the next round of the campaign, set to take place between mid-November and mid-December. She called for continued support from state governments, parents, and communities to reach the same number of children.
Meanwhile, Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director of the Nutrition Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, acknowledged Nigeria’s heavy burden of malnutrition but assured that the government, in collaboration with stakeholders, is implementing strategies to improve nutrition. She noted that coordination efforts are being strengthened at both the federal and state levels, and over 2,000 master trainers have been trained in maternal, infant, and young child feeding practices.
Bako-Aiyegbusi emphasized the importance of focusing on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, as poor nutrition during this period can have lifelong consequences. Similarly, Dr. Ogechi Akalonu, Deputy Director of Nutrition at the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, stressed the need to make nutrition a top priority on the national agenda.
Dr. Osita Okonkwo, Country Director of Nutrition International, also emphasized the need for increased funding to support the implementation of maternal, newborn, and child health campaigns, reiterating the organization’s commitment to working with the government on these initiatives.