MSF Reports Over 425,000 Malnourished Children Treated

In 2025, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported treating 425,634 Nigerian children for malnutrition, with a significant focus on northern Nigeria, where the crisis is worsened by infectious diseases, displacement, and insecurity. Dr Ahmed Aldikhari, MSF Country Representative in Nigeria, stated that while treatment is crucial, it alone cannot resolve the malnutrition crisis.

He called for stronger preventive measures, improved primary healthcare, and enhanced food security interventions. Between January and August 2026, MSF treated 57,999 children in inpatient facilities and 220,995 through outpatient programs.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projected that 34.7 million people in Nigeria could face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season. Ms Elsie Attafuah, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, echoed the urgency of addressing malnutrition and related health challenges, urging stakeholders to invest in preventive services and essential healthcare.