AMONG the numerous health challenges besetting Nigeria at the moment is the crisis of child malnutrition, a phenomenon that defines the imbalance between the nutritional needs of the body and the nutrients consumed. When the body gets less than the required nutrients continually, it gets malnourished, and this gives rise to malnutrition. Simply put, it means the body is not receiving enough of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals for growth and development. This is the fate of some 11million under-five Nigerian children out of a population of about 35million children.
Triggered by the deficiency in nutrients, the country, is, unfortunately, producing quite a significant number of children that are stunted physically and cognitively, and underweight relative to their ages. That is malnutrition at work.
Reports indicate that the health concern seems to be worse among under-five children spread unevenly across the country. Comparatively, the Northern parts of the country are reportedly experiencing the crisis more than the South. The North West region, for instance, is reported to have higher rates of stunted children while the South East has the lowest.
According to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the second highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence of 32 percent of under-five children as at 2024. India, the second most populous country in the world, has the highest rates of malnutrition globally.
In addition to the physical and cognitive impairment of the victims, acute malnutrition accounts for almost half of child mortality in Nigeria. It is also a contributory factor to maternal mortality. The implications of both physical and cognitive impairments are that malnutrition severely limits the growth and development of the body to its full potentials while at the same time undermining the intellectual and mental capabilities of the victims. They just remain stunted, contributing little or nothing to societal development.
Certain variables have been identified as contributing to the destructive issue, including poverty, uneven food distribution, inadequate food production and inadequate food intake. Others are improper preparation of food, ancient cultural restrictions and taboos that forbid some foods, ignorance, and poor sanitation practices. Lack of modern food production techniques could as well be held accountable for the shortage of food and malnutrition.
The scourge of national insecurity, forcing farmers to abandon their farms, we dare say, is another significant contributor to the scarcity of food all over the country. Where there is food scarcity, malnutrition is inescapable, especially among children.
In fact, a World Food Programme report states that the number of food-insecure Nigerians increased significantly from 66.2million in the first quarter of 2023 to 100million in the first quarter of 2024. According to the body, 18.6million Nigerians then were facing acute hunger while 43.7million were manifesting crisis-level coping strategies. Under such terrible circumstances, it is obvious under-five children born during the period or being catered for, could be vulnerable to the disease, even till now.
Measures to combat malnutrition and treat victims had been well documented. They include intake of plenty of fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, and both animal and plant proteins such as meat, fish, eggs, beans and soya milk. For treatment, dietary adjustments and nutritional support to accommodate nutrient-dense foods and nutritional supplements are recommended, in addition to seeking timely medical attention.
The prevalence of child malnutrition in the country is a challenge the incumbent federal and sub national administrations should take as a challenge and accord the priority it deserves to facilitate its complete elimination. Some 50 to 70 years ago, plus or minus, the political leaders of today were mere children who were nurtured under a better atmosphere and environment, as it were, gradually transforming to what they presently are.
We call for strategic intervention by government to eradicate this life-threatening crisis and set the millions of victims free. It is sad enough that Nigeria has the second highest rate of malnutrition in the world. With her massive wealth, we are convinced the country has the capacity to eliminate or *drastically reduce the ravaging malnutrition rate.
