Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, has issued an urgent statement regarding the overwhelming numbers of severely malnourished children being admitted to its medical facilities in Northern Nigeria. MSF reports a significant increase in admissions, exceeding last year’s figures by over 100% in some locations. The situation is described as an alarming indication of a premature peak of the lean season and the increase in acute malnutrition typically anticipated in July. Urgent action is called for from Nigerian authorities, international organisations, and donors to diagnose, treat, and prevent malnutrition-related complications and deaths. Despite previous warnings about the worsening malnutrition crisis, the situation continues to worsen, with MSF facilities in various states recording dramatic increases in admissions. The humanitarian response is deemed inadequate, with funding shortages affecting the provision of crucial therapeutic and supplementary food. MSF urges increased support for both curative and preventive approaches to ensure all malnourished children receive the care they desperately need.
