Over 650 Children Die of Severe Malnutrition in Katsina as MSF Warns of Worsening Crisis

Katsina, Nigeria – The international humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), commonly known as Doctors Without Borders, has issued an urgent warning about a rapidly escalating malnutrition crisis in northern Nigeria. According to the group, more than 650 children have died from severe acute malnutrition in Katsina State in the first half of 2025 alone.

Alarming Surge in Malnutrition Cases

In a recent statement, MSF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Ahmed Aldikhari, revealed that the organization has witnessed a dramatic increase in critically ill children arriving at its treatment centers across Katsina. “Between January and June 2025, we treated nearly 70,000 malnourished children, including almost 10,000 requiring hospitalization,” Aldikhari said. “Tragically, 652 children died in our facilities because they couldn’t get timely access to care.”

Funding Cuts Exacerbate Crisis

The situation has been worsened by significant reductions in international aid. Major donors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, have slashed funding for humanitarian efforts in the region. The World Food Programme (WFP) recently announced it will suspend emergency food aid for 1.3 million people in Northeast Nigeria by the end of July due to “critical funding shortfalls.”

Nutritional Oedema Cases Spike by 200%

MSF reported a staggering 200% increase in cases of nutritional oedema—the deadliest form of malnutrition—compared to the same period last year. The crisis is not limited to children; over 50% of 750 mothers screened at MSF centers were found to be malnourished, with 13% suffering from severe malnutrition.

“An increasing number of families cannot afford food, even though it is available in the markets,” Aldikhari stated, describing the situation as “beyond predictions.”

MSF Expands Emergency Response

To combat the crisis, MSF has expanded its operations in Katsina, opening a new outpatient feeding center in Mashi and an additional inpatient unit in Turai. These efforts have increased the organization’s total bed capacity in the state to 900 beds.

Disease Outbreaks and Insecurity Compound the Problem

MSF warns that the malnutrition crisis is being compounded by disease outbreaks, poor vaccine coverage, limited healthcare access, and ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria. Dr. Hamza Bello, a senior MSF doctor in Kebbi State, reported a 74% increase in admissions for malnourished children in Kebbi from January to June 2025. “On some days, we have up to 400 children admitted in a single facility,” he lamented.

Malnutrition Declared a National Emergency

Vice President Kashim Shettima recently declared malnutrition a national emergency, highlighting that it affects nearly 40% of Nigerian children under five, robbing them of their physical and cognitive potential.

In 2024, MSF treated over 300,000 malnourished children across seven northern states. However, in just the first half of 2025, nearly 100,000 children have already been treated in the Northwest alone—a grim indicator of the worsening crisis.

Full credit to the original publisher: Toscad News