Severe malnutrition dey rise sharply for northern Nigeria, and dis dey cause serious concern among health experts. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, between January and August this year, dem see a 51% increase in admissions of children with severe malnutrition compared to the same period last year.
MSF International President, Dr. Christos Christou, talk say over the first eight months of 2024, dem treat 52,725 children with severe malnutrition across northern Nigeria. He say the numbers for 2022 and 2023 were already critically high, but dis year be different. Every year during dis season, dem see many malnourished children coming to the hospital in severe condition.
The recent flooding in Maiduguri has also made things worse for the affected communities. Many people lose their homes, livelihoods, and access to necessities. The flooding disrupt healthcare services and hinder efforts to address the malnutrition crisis. MSF dey provide essential medical care, including treatment for malaria, malnutrition, and other diseases, in the affected areas.
Dr. Christou lament say MSF resources dey stretched thin, and dem struggle to meet the growing needs of the population. He urge the humanitarian community to intensify life-saving care for malnourished children and enhance vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. He also stress the importance of continued investment in basic healthcare and emergency response to address the devastating crisis in northern Nigeria.
