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Nigeria: Combating child malnutrition
In Nigeria, malnutrition remains a major public health challenge, affecting thousands of children every year.
Publié le 13/03/2025 | Temps de lecture : 2 min
Recurrent food crises, exacerbated by insecurity and climate change, plunge many families into a state of nutritional precariousness. In the north-east of the country, and particularly in the Pulka region, child malnutrition is reaching critical levels.
The effectiveness of nutritional care
Kellu Umate, ged 28 months, arrived at Première Urgence Internationale’s stabilization center in Pulka with alarming symptoms. After five years in an IDP camp without access to adequate health care, her mother, 30-year-old farmer Fanta Bukar, was terrified of losing yet another child.
As soon as she was admitted, the medical team gave the little girl intensive treatment with intravenous drugs and therapeutic milk. As the days went by, her appetite returned and her weight stabilized. After 15 days of intensive care, she was able to leave the center and continue her recovery thanks to follow-up care provided by community nutritionists. She then made a smooth transition to outpatient therapy, where therapeutic foods (Plumpy’Nut) enabled her to continue regaining her strength.
A few weeks later, on the occasion of a service visit, Fanta Bukar thanked the teams for curing her daughter. “When my daughter grows up, I will encourage her to become a ‘likita’ (which means doctor) so that she can help save lives like you saved hers” she said gratefully.
The tangible impact of humanitarian assistance
Kellu’s story illustrates not only the importance of effective treatment for malnutrition, but also the resilience of families who overcome such hardship. Thanks to the commitment of our medical teams, many children have regained stable health.
These activities are made possible thanks to the support of European Union Humanitarian Aid
