Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised concerns over an increase in cases of malnutrition among children in northern Nigeria, particularly in flood-affected areas like Borno and other northeastern states.

MSF is concerned that, despite the harvest season in the region, the number of malnourished patients admitted to hospitals continues to increase in the health centers where they provide services.

In a press release signed by MSF International President Dr. Christos Christou, the organization highlighted that, contrary to expectations, cases of malnutrition do not decrease at this time of year.

“This year, while we generally see a decrease in admissions, the number of malnourished patients is not decreasing. Worse still, the conditions in which they arrive are even more severe,” the statement said.

MSF highlighted that many people do not have access to basic medical care and often cannot afford to travel to medical facilities, leading to delays in treatment.

Dr. Christou also explained that many organizations that previously supported the region, including Maiduguri, have reduced or ceased operations due to financial constraints.

“In recent years, MSF has witnessed a significant increase in admissions for malnutrition, with cases in 2022 and 2023 already very high.

“From January to August this year, we recorded a 51% increase in admissions of severely malnourished children compared to the same period last year.

“In the first eight months of this year alone, MSF treated 52,725 children suffering from severe malnutrition in northern Nigeria,” he said.

MSF also highlighted the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, which remains a leading cause of child mortality in Nigeria.

“Between January and August, we treated more than 12,500 cases of measles, almost double that of the same period last year,” Christou revealed.