The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised serious concerns over the high prevalence of child malnutrition in Kano State, revealing that 51.9% of children experience stunted growth caused by chronic undernutrition.
Mr. Rahma Farah, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, disclosed this during the official handover of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in Takai Local Government Area. The RUTF was provided through the joint Government–UNICEF Child Nutrition Match Fund initiative.
Represented by Dr. Serekeberehan Deres, Health Manager at the Kano Field Office, Farah explained that the figures mean one in every two children in Kano is affected by stunting. Additionally, over 10% of children are wasted — a condition characterized by dangerously low weight for height, often resulting from recent severe weight loss.
“Wasting greatly increases the risk of death if not treated promptly,” Farah cautioned, describing child malnutrition as a “major public health concern” that requires urgent and coordinated response.
He called for greater investment in both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs, especially during the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Farah urged government officials, civil society, and religious and traditional leaders to work together to expand access to nutrition services, education, clean water, and healthcare.
“Investing in child nutrition is one of the most cost-effective strategies for national development,” he emphasized.
Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, reiterated the state government’s dedication to improving child nutrition. He highlighted new maternal and child health initiatives and pledged ongoing collaboration with UNICEF and other partners to reduce malnutrition and enhance child survival and development outcomes.
Malnutrition remains a leading cause of child mortality and poor educational performance in Nigeria, with northern states like Kano most severely affected.
