The outgoing Country Representative of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Nigeria, Dr. Simba Tirima, has raised serious concerns over the escalating malnutrition crisis in northern Nigeria, warning that continued cuts to international aid—particularly from major donors such as the United States—could have dire consequences for millions of vulnerable children.
Reflecting on nearly eight years of humanitarian work in Nigeria, Dr. Tirima emphasized the urgent need for sustained and increased support to address rising levels of severe acute malnutrition. He noted that the humanitarian sector is under immense pressure, with traditional assumptions about donor reliability no longer holding true.
MSF and other humanitarian actors have long partnered with Nigerian authorities to tackle medical emergencies, from infectious disease outbreaks to displacement crises. Our strength lies in our independence—99% of MSF’s funding comes from private donors, allowing us to respond based on medical need, not political agendas. Still, we cannot work alone. The recent withdrawal and reduction of foreign aid risk undoing years of progress.
In 2024 alone, more than 250,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were treated at MSF-supported outpatient centers, while 76,000 more were admitted to stabilization centers with life-threatening complications—an increase of 38% and 53% respectively from the previous year. At our largest facility in Katsina, admissions surged by 35%, forcing us to operate beyond capacity—mattresses in hallways, emergency tents full, and two to three children sharing a single bed during peak season.
This year’s lean season (June–August) is shaping up to be even worse. A government-led analysis warns that 33.1 million Nigerians will face high levels of acute food insecurity—seven million more than in 2024. Alarming spikes in admissions are already being recorded across the north, including a 41.8% increase in Kebbi State in April alone.
Compounding the crisis is the uncertain future of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), a cornerstone of malnutrition treatment. UNICEF, which depends heavily on USAID, is a primary distributor. If funding pipelines are disrupted, lifesaving nutrition support will vanish for many children.
The causes of malnutrition are complex: conflict, displacement, rising food prices, climate shocks, poor sanitation, and low immunisation rates all play a role. But no matter the causes, the need for immediate, well-funded intervention is undeniable. Simply put: more children than ever are at risk, and fewer resources are available to help them.
For years, the aid system operated under the belief that if one donor exited, another would step in. That no longer holds true. The global humanitarian architecture is faltering. Without urgent investment in therapeutic food, primary health care, and sustainable prevention strategies, the consequences will echo for generations.
This is not just a health emergency—it’s a humanitarian and moral one. We still have time to act, but only if we respond now, together, and with the scale this crisis demands.
