Malnutrition Crisis in Kebbi: Doctors Without Borders Raises Alarm

Strategic Insights -

A severe malnutrition crisis is unfolding in Kebbi, with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) recording a 74.1 per cent increase in admissions of malnourished children into its facilities from January to June 2025. According to senior medical doctor Hamza Bello, MSF's facilities in Kebbi had treated over 300,000 malnourished children across Nigeria in 2024, with a significant increase in Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) cases. The crisis is compounded by a shortage of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) supplies and inadequate primary health care services. MSF is currently the only international non-governmental organization treating malnutrition in Kebbi, with patients often traveling 100 kilometers to access services.

Key Takeaways:

  • MSF has recorded a 74.1 per cent increase in admissions of malnourished children into its facilities in Kebbi from January to June 2025.
  • From January to May 2025, 24,784 children were admitted in Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centers (ITFCs), with 13 per cent increase compared to 2024.
  • MSF has treated over 300,000 malnourished children across Nigeria in 2024.
  • The NGO is operating nutrition programs in seven states of the federation, including Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Borno.
  • MSF is overwhelmed with cases, with 400 children on admission on a particular day in Kebbi.
  • Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) supplies are in short supply, and primary health care services are inadequate.
  • Shamsiya Muhammad-Sani and Habiba Salihu, mothers of malnourished children, shared their horror stories of near-loss and gratitude towards MSF.
  • MSF appealed for urgent multi-actor support to address the crisis, including ramping up preventive and curative nutrition efforts, strengthening primary health care, vaccination, malaria control, and community-based interventions.

Statistics:

  • 74.1 per cent increase in admissions of malnourished children into MSF facilities in Kebbi from January to June 2025.
  • 24,784 children admitted in Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centers (ITFCs) from January to May 2025.
  • 13 per cent increase in admissions in Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centers (ITFCs) compared to 2024.
  • 107,461 children treated in Outpatient Therapeutic Programmes (OTPs) from January to May 2025.
  • Over 300,000 malnourished children treated by MSF across Nigeria in 2024.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
  • Doctors Without Borders (MSF)