The President of an international medical organization, known as Doctors Without Borders, has highlighted a concerning rise in malnourished children in northern Nigeria. During a recent visit to Maiduguri, it was observed that there has been a 51% increase in admissions of severely malnourished children between January and August compared to the previous year.
The region is facing challenges such as high levels of malnutrition, outbreaks of preventable diseases, inadequate medical facilities and personnel, and ongoing insecurity. The organization is working to support the local healthcare system by providing services for malaria, maternity care, and recently, setting up a cholera treatment center due to an outbreak.
Local healthcare workers have reported a significant increase in the severity of malnutrition cases this year, with patients often arriving too late for effective treatment due to lack of access to healthcare and transportation. Many aid organizations have reduced their presence in the area, exacerbating the situation.
The organization has seen a drastic rise in admissions for severe malnutrition, having treated over 52,000 children in northern Nigeria from January to August this year. The situation is further complicated by overcrowded treatment centers and limited resources.