The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has expressed concern over the rate of malnutrition among Nigerian children and warned against the long-term effects.
The association’s president, Dr Ekanem Ekure, expressed his worry during a news conference in Gombe on Tuesday as part of events marking the association’s 56th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.
Ekure, who described malnutrition as a significant contributor to childhood death and poor national productivity, added that “it directly or indirectly accounts for 45 per cent of childhood deaths in Nigeria.
“Statistics has also revealed that stunting rate among under-five children rose to 40 per cent in 2023, the highest globally, compared to 37 per cent in 2018. This trend reflects deepening economic crisis characterized by inflation, low wages and high fuel costs, leaving many families unable to afford adequate nutrition.”
She added that two million Nigerian children suffered severe acute malnutrition in 2023.
Ekure further explained that the prevalence of underweight children also surged from 22 per cent in 2018 to 27 per cent in 2023, adding that “the numbers are compounded by declining agricultural productivity due to climate challenge, flooding and insecurity, further straining food supplies.”
She added that the exclusive breastfeeding rate remained stagnant at 29 per cent since 2018, despite its crucial role in early childhood nutrition. She however emphasized that economic pressures forcing mothers into the workforce contributed to the low figure, exacerbating infant malnutrition.
The association called for robust inter-sectoral collaborations to address the root causes of malnutrition and underlined the importance of implementing the Child Rights Act (2003), which guarantees children’s access to adequate nutrition, education and social protection.
Ekun lamented low vaccination rate which she said led to outbreaks of preventable diseases, stressed that “addressing malnutrition crisis requires political will, increased funding for health initiatives and awareness to empower families and communities.
“As Nigeria’s population continues to grow, I am calling on policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize child health and nutrition as pivotal to the nation’s future development.”
