Nigeria: 2.1 million children at risk of malnutrition
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Aminiya
At least 2.1 million children under five risk malnutrition in Nigeria’s Borno and Yobe states in 2026, including more than 750,000 already suffering from acute malnutrition. UNICEF is calling for greater mobilisation, while the MINA programme has already treated nearly 370,000 children, according to Aminiya.
At least 2.1 million children under five are at risk of malnutrition in Nigeria’s Borno and Yobe states in 2026, while more than 750,000 children are already suffering from severe acute malnutrition, according to UNICEF, cited by Aminiya.
Dr Kelechi Nwogu attributed the situation to conflict, population displacement, poverty and food shortages. He was speaking on Tuesday at a press meeting devoted to the nutrition programme in north-east Nigeria, according to Aminiya.
The MINA programme, funded by the British government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), operates in 21 local government areas. Since its launch in 2022, it has distributed more than five million doses of vitamin A, treated nearly 370,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and trained more than 740,000 people responsible for caring for children.
Its second phase, which has just begun, is due to continue until March 2027. Dr Nwogu called on the media to raise greater awareness of the consequences of malnutrition for children and urge the authorities to strengthen emergency measures.
