Current State of Acute Malnutrition in Nigeria (2025)
The latest analysis reveals a worsening nutritional crisis in Nigeria, with staggering projections for 2025. Data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) estimates that 5.4 million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition between May 2024 and April 2025. Within this group, a disturbing 1.8 million children are suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), the deadliest form, while 3.6 million face Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). The crisis is not confined to children; nearly 800,000 pregnant and lactating women are also acutely malnourished. These numbers place a severe burden on an already struggling healthcare system and threaten the lives of millions.
Regional Disparities: North vs. South
While malnutrition is a national issue, its prevalence is starkly uneven, with a significantly higher burden concentrated in Nigeria's northern states. The ongoing conflict in the North-East (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe) and increased banditry in the North-West (Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara) are primary drivers of this disparity. These regions face extreme food insecurity and displacement, while southern states generally experience lower rates of severe malnutrition, though regional pockets of poverty and poor nutrition exist.
Factors Driving the Malnutrition Crisis
The complex web of factors fueling acute malnutrition in Nigeria includes economic instability, persistent conflict, and environmental stressors. High inflation rates, particularly for food, have crippled the purchasing power of many families. Insecurity, especially in northern areas, restricts farming and market access, leaving many dependent on unreliable humanitarian aid. Climate change, manifest through devastating floods, has destroyed farmlands and livelihoods, further disrupting food systems. These systemic issues are compounded by dysfunctional health systems, low exclusive breastfeeding rates, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.
Intervention Strategies and Challenges
Addressing acute malnutrition requires a multi-pronged approach involving both immediate, life-saving treatment and long-term preventative measures. Organizations like UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the Red Cross are at the forefront of the response, deploying therapeutic feeding centers and mobile teams. Key interventions include:
- Treatment: Providing ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) for SAM and supplementary feeding for MAM.
- Community Management: Scaling up community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) to reach more children in remote areas.
- Education: Promoting maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) through counseling and mother support groups.
- Integrated Services: Combining nutritional care with general healthcare, immunizations, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs.
Challenges hindering a comprehensive response include severe underfunding, limited access to conflict-affected areas, and high staff turnover due to security risks. Many existing clinics operate at maximum capacity, and aid cuts from major international donors have further strained resources.
A Deeper Look: The Human Impact
The consequences of acute malnutrition are devastating and far-reaching. Beyond the immediate threat to life, survivors face long-term health and developmental challenges. Malnutrition, especially in early childhood, can lead to irreversible cognitive impairment, weakened immunity, and a higher risk of chronic diseases later in life. For families, the emotional and financial toll is immense, with caregivers experiencing severe stress and guilt. The crisis also has broader economic implications, with UNICEF estimating losses equivalent to 11% of Nigeria's GDP.
Comparison Table: Malnutrition Indicators by Region
| Indicator | Northern Nigeria (North-East & North-West) | Other Regions (South-West, South-South, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence of Acute Malnutrition | Critically high, with a large concentration of SAM and MAM cases. | Lower prevalence, though still a public health concern with regional variation. |
| Primary Drivers | Conflict, mass displacement, insecurity affecting agriculture, extreme poverty, climate change impacts. | Varying localized issues, including poor diet, lower socioeconomic status, and lack of access to quality healthcare. |
| Access to Treatment | Limited due to conflict, security risks, and insufficient funding, often heavily dependent on NGOs. | More accessible, but still faces challenges related to infrastructure and funding gaps. |
| Food Security | Extreme food insecurity, reliance on aid, and disrupted agricultural practices. | Higher food security on average, but impacted by rising national food inflation and poverty. |
The Path Forward
Effective and sustainable solutions require intensified collaboration among the Nigerian government, international humanitarian organizations, and local communities. A robust, multi-sectoral approach must address the root causes, from economic instability to conflict, while scaling up immediate life-saving interventions. Increased and reliable funding is crucial, alongside a strategic focus on empowering local communities through nutrition education and resilient food systems. By prioritizing the health and well-being of the most vulnerable, Nigeria can mitigate this crisis and build a more resilient future. For more on the humanitarian response, see the Nigeria 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.
Conclusion
Nigeria's acute malnutrition crisis remains a significant public health and humanitarian emergency, particularly in the northern regions. The high prevalence among children and women, driven by a confluence of economic, security, and environmental factors, demands urgent and sustained attention. While commendable efforts by aid agencies are underway, systemic challenges and funding gaps hinder an effective response. A renewed commitment to addressing both immediate nutritional needs and the underlying socio-economic drivers is essential to protect the most vulnerable populations and secure Nigeria's long-term development.
