UNICEF Nigeria 2025: Tackling Child Malnutrition with Alarm and Hope
UNICEF Nigeria's 2025 campaign will target 2.9 million children living with severe malnutrition. Learn about their interventions and challenges and how to become a part of the cause for child survival.
Nigerian Malnutrition Emergency of 2025: An Escalating Crisis
Nigeria in 2025 continues to suffer through one of the highest worldwide child malnutrition emergencies. UNICEF Nigeria states that nearly 2.9 million children under the age of five are suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). It also has the highest African figure for malnourished children and second highest worldwide for child stunting, with a prevalence of over 32%, and up to 40% in some states.
Root Factors Contributing to Child Malnutrition in Nigeria
- Conflict and Insecurity: Armed conflict in the Northeast and Northwest has displaced millions and disrupted agriculture, healthcare access, and essential services.
- Poverty and Economic Instability: Soaring food prices and falling household incomes have made nutritious food unaffordable for many families.
- Climate Change and Drought: Irregular weather patterns and environmental degradation have lowered food production, especially in rural areas.
- Poor WASH Conditions: Limited access to clean water and sanitation contributes to diseases like diarrhea and cholera that worsen malnutrition.
- Poor Feeding Habits: Only 17% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. Just 18% of children aged 6–23 months meet the minimum acceptable diet.
UNICEF Response: 2025 Child Nutrition Emergency Program
UNICEF is expanding its efforts in 14 high-burden states, focusing on the most vulnerable children and mothers in Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and others.
Main Interventions:
- Distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF): Over 6,000 metric tons distributed
- Mobile Health and Nutrition Clinics: Reaching displaced and rural communities
- Micronutrient Supplementation: Including vitamin A, iron, and zinc
- Training for over 12,000 Community Health Volunteers
- Maternal Nutrition Support: Prenatal supplements and breastfeeding counseling
Community Engagement & Education
UNICEF works with teachers, religious leaders, and media outlets to dispel myths and promote effective feeding practices.
Partnerships Between Government and NGOs
UNICEF collaborates with:
- Federal Ministry of Health and NPHCDA
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
These partnerships ensure better service delivery, supply chain support, and training of local health workers.
Unveiling 2025 Data: Wake-Up Call
- Children suffering from SAM: 2.9 million
- Treatment Access: Only 2 out of 10 children receive proper care
- Risk of Death: 400,000 children could die without intervention
- Stunting Rate: 32–40% among children under 5
- Mortality Correlation: Malnutrition contributes to 45% of all child deaths
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the level of child malnutrition in Nigeria in 2025?
UNICEF reports 2.9 million children are acutely malnourished. The crisis is especially severe in the northern states.
What are the main causes of malnutrition in Nigerian children?
Key causes include conflict, poverty, poor breastfeeding rates, lack of dietary diversity, and weak sanitation systems.
What is UNICEF doing to fight malnutrition in Nigeria?
UNICEF is distributing RUTF, operating mobile clinics, training health workers, and launching nutrition awareness campaigns.
Which Nigerian states are particularly impacted in 2025?
Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto are among the hardest hit, with high stunting and wasting rates.
What is RUTF and how is it used?
RUTF (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food) is a calorie-rich, peanut-based paste used to treat children with severe malnutrition. It requires no cooking or refrigeration.
How can individuals or organizations support UNICEF?
Visit unicef.org/nigeria to donate, volunteer, or advocate. Every contribution can save a child’s life.
What are the long-term effects of malnutrition on children?
Malnourished children often suffer from delayed brain development, poor academic performance, chronic illness, and reduced productivity in adulthood.
2025 Funding Gaps
UNICEF’s Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal for Nigeria in 2025 shows a significant funding gap. Without increased global support, up to 80% of children in need may not receive treatment. Urgent donor intervention is needed to prevent large-scale loss of life.
Conclusion: Desperation Meets Hope
Child malnutrition in Nigeria is a preventable crisis. UNICEF’s 2025 response is impactful, but long-term success depends on sustained funding, cross-sector collaboration, and national commitment to solving root causes.
You can be part of the change share this message, donate, and advocate for stronger public health systems across Nigeria.
References
- UNICEF HAC Appeal 2025
- Médecins Sans Frontières – Nutrition Response Nigeria
- Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 2025
- UNICEF Nigeria Nutrition Report – May 2025