An NGO has issued a concerning warning regarding the escalating cases of severe malnutrition among children under the age of five in northeastern Nigeria.

According to FHI 360, an alarming total of 15,781 malnourished children required treatment at its facilities between February and September.

This figure represents a staggering increase of almost 160% compared to the previous year.

“The situation in north-east Nigeria is grave, and increased support is needed to address the critical health and nutritional needs of communities, especially women and children,” the organisation added.

Unicef, the United Nations children's organization, has previously reported that Nigeria holds the unfortunate distinction of having the second-highest global rate of child stunting. This condition, often caused by extensive malnutrition, is particularly prevalent in the northern region of the country.

Unicef's estimates indicate that approximately two million children in Nigeria are affected by malnutrition. However, only a mere 20% of these children receive the necessary treatment.

Furthermore, according to Unicef data, malnutrition plays a significant role in contributing to 45% of child deaths in Nigeria among those aged under five years.