By Rabiu Musa
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The warning signs are clear: Nigeria is on the brink of a staggering increase in Malnourished children, with far-reaching consequences for the country’s future. Nutrition experts have sounded the alarm, citing rising inflation, high food prices, and poverty as major contributors to food insecurity, which in turn limits access to nutritious foods essential for children’s healthy growth.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria already has the second-highest burden of Malnourished children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five. A staggering 37 percent of children, or six million children, are Malnourished, with more than half of them severely affected. Furthermore, 18 percent of children suffer from wasting, while 29 percent are underweight.
The Devastating Consequences of Malnourished
Malnourished is a chronic form of malnutrition that can have devastating effects on a child’s cognitive development, school performance, and susceptibility to infections. If left unchecked, Malnourished can also hinder national development, reducing productivity and economic potential.
The Critical Window of Opportunity
Experts emphasize that early intervention within the first two years of a child’s life is crucial in reversing Malnourished. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months, followed by a complementary diet, can make a significant difference. However, if this window of opportunity is missed, the effects of stunting can become irreversible.
A Call to Action
Professor Ignatius Onimawo, a renowned expert in Public Health Nutrition, warns that the increasing economic hardship in Nigeria will only exacerbate the problem of stunting. He urges the government to take immediate action to address food insecurity, make nutritious food available, and reduce the rate of hardship in the country.
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