Malnutrition in Nigeria, directly or indirectly, is the cause of 45 percent of all death of under-five children.[1] Malnutrition is the cause of stunted growth in over 28 million children in sub-Saharan Africa.[2] Malnutrition is referred to as deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients, or impaired nutrient utilization.[3] Nigeria, with the biggest economy in Africa is yet to make a breakthrough in the malnutrition problem facing millions of its citizens, especially children.[4] In Nigeria, the situation of malnutrition is very appalling. In the world, Nigeria is the second highest burden of stunted children with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five. Also, an estimated of 2 million children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Nigeria.[5] The main reason why malnutrition is high in Nigeria is its close association with poverty, with 47 percent of Nigerians (98 million) living in multidimensional poverty.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Nutrition". Unicef Nigeria. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "The Devastating Effects of Child Starvation & Malnutrition in Africa". Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "Malnutrition". Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ Igbinadolor, Nosa (23 May 2022). "Inside Nigeria's malnutrition plague". Business Day. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "Nutrition". Unicef Nigeria. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ Blessing, Akombi-Inyang (22 July 2021). "Malnutrition among children is rife in Nigeria. What must be done". The Conversation. Retrieved 3 July 2022.