The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Representative to Nigeria Cristian Munduate, has reiterated the alarming situation faced by children, revealing that nearly 5.4 million children under the age of five in the northwest and northeast regions are suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
Alarmingly, projections indicate that the number of cases will increase by another million by April 2025.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press briefing as part of her two-day visit to Zamfara state, she stressed the urgent need for intervention to combat the rising malnutrition rates and other critical issues affecting child welfare, calling on both local and international communities to prioritise efforts in alleviating the suffering of millions of children across Zamfara and northern Nigeria.
She noted that Zamfara alone is home to 1.2 million children, with 250,000 suffering from SAM, a life-threatening condition that affects one in every ten children in the state.
She further highlighted the neonatal mortality rate in the state, which stands at a distressing 42 per 1,000 live births.
“Wasting affects 1 in 10 children, while stunting among children aged 0 to 5 years is at an alarming 45.2%,” Munduate said.
She also shed light on the inadequate healthcare system, noting that only 21.5% of pregnant women in Zamfara attend the recommended four or more antenatal visits, and a mere 15% of deliveries take place in health institutions.
“A shocking 62,000 pregnant women, only 13% of the total, have access to skilled birth attendants,” she stated.
She further expressed worry that immunization rates, which are crucial for preventing deadly diseases, remain critically low in the state, urging for more action to improve vaccination rates.
“Penta 3 coverage is at just 9.6%,” Munduate said.
“Nigeria has over 110 million children, yet 40% of those under age 5 are stunted. Only 57% of children under five are registered, and 2.1 million children have never been vaccinated.
“The crisis in Zamfara is a reflection of a larger, national challenge,” Munduate explained, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms to address the root causes of child malnutrition, lack of education, and poor healthcare.
UNICEF’s call for action was clear. To address these dire needs across Nigeria’s most vulnerable states, including Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina, the organization requires over $250 million in funding. “Of this, more than $100 million is needed for Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina alone to provide vital services in nutrition, health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), child protection, and education,” Munduate detailed.
In Zamfara, UNICEF’s objectives are ambitious yet vital. “We aim to treat 400,000 children under 5 suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition,” she explained. Additionally, 200,000 more children in the northwest will require Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in 2025. Immunization efforts will also target more than 300,000 children in Sokoto and Zamfara, focusing on measles vaccinations.
While addressing the need for immediate action, Munduate called for a united effort from all stakeholders. “To effectively address these challenges, we urge governments at all levels to expand healthcare services and strengthen community health programs,” she said. She also stressed the need to scale up nutrition interventions and promote child spacing initiatives to address the underlying challenge of rapid population growth.
“Integrating nutrition into primary healthcare services is critical,” Munduate emphasized, urging for stronger support in both the healthcare and education sectors. “We need to promote inclusive education and improve school infrastructure, and we must enhance routine immunization to protect children from preventable diseases.”
Munduate, despite the overwhelming challenges, acknowledged the progress that has been made.
“We have evidence, for example, that the number of children under five years, for every 1,000 life-years, has declined. This is fantastic news.,” she said.
She also highlighted that Zamfara had successfully maintained a standard of zero polio cases in 2023, a major achievement considering the challenges in the region. However, she stressed that these successes do not mean the work is done.
“Zamfara is keeping a standard of zero polio cases, but polio cannot be considered eradicated in one state alone. We need the entire country to reach zero to prevent the spread of the virus,” Munduate warned.
Looking ahead, Munduate shared a vision of hope and transformation. She noted that the Zamfara state government had already shown a commitment to increasing investments in health, with the health budget rising from 4% to 7%. She urged all stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively.
“I am a true believer that if you have the political will and determination, things can change. Together, we can save lives, restore hope, and build a brighter future for the children of Zamfara and beyond,” she said.
The visit to Zamfara was to assess the situation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by children in Zamfara, particularly in Education, Health, and Nutrition.