MSF Treats 26,000 Malnourished Kids Amid Malaria Surge

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that it has treated no fewer than 26,000 malnourished children in Katsina State, Nigeria, amid a surge in malaria cases. Dr. Ali Baba Nuradeen, MSF's medical team leader in the state, highlighted the strong correlation between malnutrition and malaria, particularly among children.

The theme for the 2026 World Malaria Day emphasizes the urgent need for governments and communities to intensify efforts to eliminate malaria. In 2025, malaria ranked among the top three complications affecting patients, with common conditions among admitted children including acute watery diarrhea and sepsis.

Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to severe malaria infections. MSF adopts a comprehensive approach to tackle malaria among malnourished children, including routine screening, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.

Each child admitted receives a mosquito net as part of their treatment kit to encourage continued use and prevent reinfection. Despite Nigeria being one of the most affected countries, recent progress in malaria control has been acknowledged, including the introduction of malaria vaccines.