UNICEF Reports 11 Million Nigerian Children Suffering from Severe Food Poverty in June 2024
In June 2024, UNICEF reported that around 11 million Nigerian children are suffering from severe food poverty, affecting one in three children under five. Nigeria, with approximately 31 million children in this age group, is one of the 20 countries accounting for nearly two-thirds of the 181 million children globally facing severe food poverty. Defined as consuming no more than two out of eight food groups, severe food poverty has dire consequences.
Research highlights that severe food poverty leads to stunted growth, increased disease susceptibility, and higher mortality rates among children. Stunted growth results from prolonged inadequate nutrition, impacting both physical and cognitive development. This condition increases the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood and hampers educational and economic opportunities.
Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making children more vulnerable to infections and diseases like pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malaria, which can become life-threatening. This creates a vicious cycle where malnutrition exacerbates illness, further impairing nutrient absorption and overall health.
To combat severe food poverty and malnutrition, Nigeria needs a comprehensive approach:
1. Improve Maternal and Child Nutrition: Ensure proper nutrition for pregnant women, promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and introduce nutritious complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. Support mothers with paid maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Food fortification is also essential.
2. Enhance Food Security: Support small-scale farming, implement food assistance programmes, and strengthen economic stability through job creation and social protection.
3. Provide Access to Quality Healthcare: Offer regular health check-ups, establish community-based malnutrition treatment programmes, and invest in healthcare infrastructure.
4. Implement Nutrition-Focused Educational Programmes: Educate parents and caregivers on proper nutrition and provide school feeding programmes for children.
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