Unicef warns of rising child malnutrition, urges more support for vulnerable children

The Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Kano, Rahama Rihhood Mohammed Farah, has called for urgent action to ensure that every child in Nigeria receives vaccines and proper nutrition, especially those living in remote and underserved communities.

He made the appeal on Thursday while unveiling the Nigerian Child 2025 report in Kano as part of activities marking World Children’s Day.

Speaking to journalists, Farah said children in Nigeria continue to face serious challenges despite some progress recorded in health, nutrition, education and child protection over the years.

He stressed that priority must now shift to ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not left behind.

“To truly transform the lives of children in Kano and across Nigeria, we must deliver vaccines and nutrition to every child, especially in hard-to-reach communities,” he said.

The Nigerian Child 2025 report highlights gains made over the last three decades, including a 43 per cent drop in under-five deaths and improved vaccination coverage.

“This report captures the real-life experiences of children across Nigeria, showing both the progress achieved and the serious challenges that still exist particularly in the three states covered by the Kano Field Office: Katsina, Kano and Jigawa.

“Over the last three decades, there has been notable progress worth celebrating. Since 1990, under-five deaths in Nigeria have reduced by 43 per cent, dropping from 193 to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births,” he said.

“Full vaccination coverage for children aged 12–23 months has also improved significantly, tripling from 13 per cent in 2003 to 39 per cent. Birth registration is rising as well, helping open the door for more children to access education and healthcare. In humanitarian zones including parts of the North, over 1.3 million people received health services in the first half of 2025, while 340,000 malnourished children were treated, reflecting ongoing efforts to reach the most vulnerable.

However, it warns that malnutrition remains high, particularly in the North-West, where Nigeria ranks first in Africa and second in the world for the number of malnourished children.

The report also notes that children in rural areas are far less likely to be vaccinated than those in urban centres and that two out of every five children under five are stunted because of chronic malnutrition.

Farah said UNICEF is working with the governments of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa to expand access to essential services.

He highlighted ongoing work in immunisation, treatment of severe acute malnutrition, WASH, birth registration, school integration and the upgrading of primary health care facilities.

While acknowledging the progress, he said much more is needed.

“Across Nigeria, children dream of futures they may never experience unless the systems and services around them are transformed.”

He urged government, development partners, civil society and communities to intensify efforts to protect the rights and well-being of every child.

“Invest in safe, inclusive schools, strengthen child protection and mental health, ensure clean water and sanitation, expand social support, and tackle child poverty across the three states.

“As I present this report, I reaffirm UNICEF’s commitment to working hand in hand with government, development partners, communities and civil society to ensure that every Nigerian child can survive, learn and thrive,” he said.