Nigeria malnutrition crisis deepens as MSF reports over 440,000 children treated amid disease outbreaks and healthcare challenges

Médecins Sans Frontières has raised fresh concerns over worsening malnutrition, recurring disease outbreaks and persistent maternal healthcare challenges in Nigeria following the release of its 2025 Country Activity Report.

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The humanitarian organisation disclosed on Wednesday that 2025 recorded its highest malnutrition admissions in recent years, with more than 440,000 children treated across its operations in the country.

According to the report, MSF delivered medical assistance in ten states, including Bauchi State, Borno State, Cross River State, Ebonyi State, Jigawa State, Kano State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State and Zamfara State, while also expanding operations into Kaduna State.

The organisation added that it responded to emergencies in Niger State and Adamawa State during the year.

MSF stated that 353,989 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition received treatment through outpatient programmes, while another 90,723 children with medical complications were admitted into inpatient stabilisation centres.

MSF Country Representative for Nigeria, Ahmed Aldikhari, described the figures as deeply troubling.

“The 2025 data tells a harrowing story. With over 440,000 children put on treatment, it is the year with highest admissions for malnutrition we’ve had in Nigeria in recent years,” Aldikhari said.

The Nigeria Malnutrition Crisis, according to the organisation, is being worsened by conflict, insecurity, displacement, inflation, flooding, drought and rising food prices.

MSF also warned that cuts in humanitarian funding were placing additional pressure on already overstretched healthcare services.

The report highlighted the strong connection between malnutrition and infectious diseases, noting that vulnerable children often face delayed or limited access to healthcare.

In 2025 alone, MSF said it treated 341,239 malaria patients, 38,753 children for measles, 6,123 people for diphtheria and 985 meningitis patients.

“Many of these illnesses are preventable,” Aldikhari stated, while calling for improved vaccination coverage, stronger disease surveillance systems and better access to clean water and sanitation.

The organisation also expressed concern over Nigeria’s maternal and newborn mortality rates, especially in rural and conflict-affected communities.

According to the report, MSF assisted 33,590 deliveries, conducted 119,469 antenatal consultations and carried out 224 fistula surgeries during the year.

The humanitarian group noted that women in underserved communities continue to face severe barriers to accessing healthcare, including insecurity, long travel distances, transport difficulties, overstretched hospitals and rising treatment costs.

“Timely access to emergency obstetric and newborn care can save lives,” Aldikhari said.

He urged authorities and stakeholders to strengthen investment in primary healthcare, referral systems, staffing, medical equipment and emergency maternal services.

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Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest burden of severe acute malnutrition and maternal mortality globally, particularly in conflict-affected northern regions where millions continue to face food insecurity and weak healthcare access.