Top nutritionists sound alarm on economic hardship and food price hikes threatening young children’s health, potentially increasing Nigeria’s already high infant mortality and sickness rates.
The experts emphasized that inadequate nutrition in young children increases their risk of death, highlighting the importance of improved dietary practices during this critical stage of their development.
These medical professionals expressed distress over the fact that many Nigerian parents are struggling to provide their children with balanced diets due to increasing poverty in the country.
A recent report by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO titled ‘Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms’ revealed that a staggering 172 million Nigerians lack access to healthy food.
The report indicated that in 2022, approximately 78.7% of Nigerians were unable to afford a healthy diet, with this proportion steadily increasing since 2017.
According to the report, a Nigerian would need around $3.83 (approximately N6,000) per day to afford a healthy diet in 2022.
Another report from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition showed that the cost of a healthy diet for a Nigerian adult rose from N858 in January to N1,241 in June 2024.
The experts, speaking exclusively to our correspondent, warned that malnourished children under the age of five are at higher risk of illness and infections, which can further jeopardize their fragile health.
The experts stressed that early childhood is a crucial period for growth and development, and without sufficient access to nutritious food, children are more likely to experience developmental setbacks and long-lasting health problems.
Statistics from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018 revealed an infant mortality rate of 39% with 132 deaths per 1000 live births in the country. In 2018, the infant mortality rate was reported to be 67 deaths per 1000 live births.
Professor Ignatius Onimawo, a renowned expert in Public Health Nutrition, emphasized the vulnerability of children under five who are completely dependent on their caregivers for nutrition.
As a former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University and President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, he noted that these children are highly susceptible to malnutrition since they cannot obtain or prepare food independently, making their nutritional well-being entirely reliant on the quality and availability of food provided by their households.
He regretfully pointed out that poverty in many Nigerian households limits access to adequate food, further exacerbating the risks faced by this age group.
“These children cannot provide for themselves and depend entirely on their caregivers. If the household cannot afford a diverse and nutritious diet due to poverty, it directly impacts the child’s health and development,” he stressed.
Professor Onimawo explained that malnutrition can have its roots even before birth, as a malnourished pregnant woman may struggle to produce sufficient breast milk, a vital source of nutrition for a child’s health in the first six months.
He emphasized that exclusive breastfeeding, essential for the first six months, is compromised if the mother is undernourished, leading to severe malnutrition in the child.
This, in turn, can result in stunted growth and impaired brain development, setting the stage for long-term health consequences.
“Breastfeeding is vital for the first six months of a child’s life. If a mother cannot provide this due to malnutrition, the child misses out on essential nutrients.
“This leads to stunting, where the child is too short for their age and suffers from cognitive impairments. These deficiencies have long-term consequences for their educational performance and overall productivity,” the professor cautioned.
The food health expert emphasized that malnutrition has a profound impact, particularly on children who experience stunting and deficiencies in essential micronutrients like iron, vitamin A, zinc, and iodine.
These children may encounter significant developmental obstacles, including diminished attention spans, impaired cognitive function, and physical restrictions that can limit their future potential and hinder their ability to reach their full capabilities.
“In Nigeria’s northern regions, particularly the northwest, northeast, and parts of north-central, we see a high incidence of severely malnourished children.
“These children are often physically stunted and may appear much younger than their actual age. The long-term effects include reduced educational and employment opportunities, and in severe cases, these children may become a burden on society,” he highlighted.
Professor Onimawo pinpointed food insecurity and poverty as the root causes of malnutrition in Nigeria, emphasizing that failing to tackle these fundamental issues would hinder progress in improving child nutrition.
When questioned about the link to high infant and maternal mortality rates, he further elaborated, highlighting the critical connection between malnutrition and these devastating health outcomes.
“Infant mortality is worsened by the lack of proper nutrition. When mothers are unable to breastfeed due to malnutrition and turn to inadequate milk substitutes, the risk of diarrhoea and other health issues increases. This often leads to high mortality rates among infants.”
To tackle the malnutrition crisis, Professor Onimawo urged swift action to address food insecurity and poverty, emphasizing that enhancing access to nutritious food and supporting maternal health can significantly reduce infant mortality and boost child development in Nigeria.
Echoing his sentiments, nutrition expert Taiwo Babatunde stressed that inadequate nutrition in early childhood dramatically increases the risk of mortality.
Babatunde characterized malnutrition as a pressing public health emergency requiring immediate attention, highlighting the crucial role of quality nutrition during a child’s formative years in determining their overall health, development, and survival.
She lamented, “Many children in Nigeria are suffering from malnutrition due to poor dietary choices and a lack of access to essential nutrients.
“Malnourished children under five are particularly vulnerable to infections and diseases, which can further weaken their already compromised health.
“The early years of life are a period of rapid growth and development, and insufficient nutrition during this stage can lead to severe health problems, including developmental delays and an increased risk of chronic conditions later in life.
“This heightened vulnerability is particularly concerning given the crucial role that adequate nutrition plays in the healthy growth and cognitive development of young children.”
She, also highlighted, the impact of food insecurity extends beyond individual health to affect the broader socio-economic landscape.
She highlighted , “Children who suffer from malnutrition often face educational challenges due to decreased cognitive abilities and lower academic performance. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and hinder national development, as these children may grow up to face significant barriers to employment and economic stability.
“Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Improving food security and access to nutritious food is essential for breaking the cycle of malnutrition and its associated health risks.
“This includes enhancing food distribution systems, providing financial support to low-income families, and promoting nutritional education to help families make healthier food choices.
“The link between poor dietary habits in under-fives and high infant mortality rates in Nigeria is a pressing issue that demands comprehensive and sustained action.
“By addressing the root causes of food insecurity and improving access to nutritious food, Nigeria can make significant strides in reducing infant mortality and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.”
