The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has raised alarm over Nigeria’s child malnutrition crisis, describing it as a major public health concern.
According to NARD, more than 35% of Nigerian children under five suffer from malnutrition. In a post on X, the association warned that the crisis poses a threat to survival, growth, and national development.
“Malnutrition contributes significantly to child mortality. It also impacts cognitive development, disease susceptibility, and national productivity,” NARD stated.
The association highlighted several interventions, including the use of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), and counseling for infant and young child feeding (IYCF). Research shows these methods improve survival and recovery rates in children.
“NARD members are at the forefront of implementing and researching malnutrition interventions across Nigeria,” the group added.
NARD urged increased funding for sustainable nutrition programs to protect children’s health nationwide.
In August, the Federal Government labeled the Nigeria child malnutrition crisis a “national emergency.” Uju Rochas-Anwuka, Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, estimated annual economic losses from malnutrition at over $1.5 billion. She warned that the crisis threatens both human capital and national development.
Earlier in July, Vice President Kashim Shettima also described the problem as “a national crisis” at the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security in Abuja.
“It is a reminder that food insecurity is not only about hunger. It affects whether people can afford, access, and accept food that meets nutritional needs. It is about education and human capital,” Shettima said.
He called for swift and coordinated national action to address the Nigeria child malnutrition crisis.
