More than 35 percent of Nigerian children under five years old are affected by malnutrition, according to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), making it a crucial issue for public health.
NARD reported that over 35% of children under the age of five are affected in a post on X on Thursday.
Malnutrition is a significant factor in child mortality. Additionally, it has an impact on national productivity, disease susceptibility, and cognitive development,” the association continued.
According to NARD, interventions include distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), community-based acute malnutrition (CMAM), and infant and young child nutrition (IYCF) counseling.
These methods significantly increase child survival and recovery rates, according to research.
The organization stated that “NARD members are at the forefront of conducting research into and implementing malnutrition interventions in Nigeria.”
READ ALSO: Every Year, Nigeria Loses Over $1.5 billion to malnutrition.
The organization reaffirmed the importance of long-term nutrition programs to safeguard children’s health across the country.
The Federal Government declared the malnutrition crisis in Nigeria to be “a national emergency” in August.
According to Special Assistant to the President for Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwuka, annual losses from malnutrition exceed $1.5 billion.
Rochas-Anwuka noted that the nation’s development and human capital are undermined by this crisis.
Vice President Kashim Shettima previously issued a warning about malnutrition that affects nearly 40% of children under five.
He referred to the situation as “a national crisis” at the Abuja National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security.
It serves as a reminder that hunger is not the only cause of food insecurity.
It determines whether people are able to obtain, purchase, and consume food that meets their nutritional needs. Education and human capital are important, according to Shettima.
Shettima urged people to take immediate, collective steps to address the crisis.
In northern Nigeria, over 600 malnourished children died in six months, according to a report from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in late July.
Between January and June, according to the report, cases of the most severe malnutrition increased by 208 percent over the previous year.
Source: Channels TV
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