Over 500,000 Children Face Severe Malnutrition Risk in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara — UNICEF

A stark warning has emerged from UNICEF regarding the escalating malnutrition crisis in northwestern Nigeria, specifically affecting Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. The latest data reveals that over half a million children are at risk of severe wasting, a critical condition that demands immediate attention. This situation is not merely a health concern; it represents a profound development emergency that threatens the future of these young lives and the region's progress.

The findings from the 2025 Nutrition SMART Survey paint a grim picture, with "wasting" affecting 11 percent of children in Sokoto and Kebbi, placing them in the "high prevalence" category. Zamfara, while at 8.5 percent, is still in a "medium level" of serious concern. Equally alarming are the "very high" rates of stunting across all three states, indicative of widespread chronic malnutrition and long-term nutritional deprivation. These figures align with projections that underscore the urgency for intervention.

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wasting affects 11 per cent of children in Sokoto and Kebbi, while Zamfara records 8.5 per cent—placing the first two states in the “high prevalence” category and Zamfara at a “medium level,” but still of serious concern.

As highlighted by UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Edward Kotundo, addressing this crisis requires a "coordinated, multisectoral action." This means moving beyond isolated health initiatives to tackle the interconnected issues of food insecurity, poverty, and inadequate access to essential services. The collaboration between government agencies, development partners like Médecins Sans Frontières and Action Against Hunger, and local stakeholders is crucial. However, sustained partnerships and increased investment are paramount to implementing targeted nutrition programs and policies that can truly make a difference for these vulnerable children. The international community must recognize that this is not just a Nigerian problem, but a humanitarian crisis requiring a robust and sustained response.

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The data clearly shows that this is not just a health issue but a development emergency that requires coordinated, multisectoral action.