Severe Malnutrition Claims Over 600 Child Lives in Kebbi, Nigeria

More than 600 children have died from severe malnutrition in the northwestern state of Kebbi between January and September 2025, according to data from the state nutrition office. Health officials attribute the devastating rise in deaths to widespread misconceptions among residents, who often ascribe malnutrition to “spiritual attacks.” This misconception has resulted in delayed access to life-saving treatment, exacerbating the crisis.

The impact of malnutrition is starkly visible across dozens of treatment centers in Kebbi, including facilities supported by international aid organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). These centers have become besieged by children suffering from acute malnutrition, highlighting a growing health emergency in a region already grappling with complex challenges.

Significant statistics from Nigeria’s 2018 Demographic and Health Survey reveal the severity of the ongoing crisis: over 60% of children under five in Kebbi are stunted, a condition that stifles growth and development, while more than 80% suffer from anemia, which compromises their overall health and resilience.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned about the long-term implications of severe malnutrition, stating that it can lead to irreversible impairment in cognitive development and a reduced Intelligence Quotient (IQ). This alarming reality not only steals the childhood of these vulnerable children but potentially robs the future of a generation.

Healthcare Response and Challenges

Efforts to address this crisis face significant hurdles. The cultural belief that spiritual forces cause malnutrition complicates traditional healthcare interventions. Many families opt not to seek medical help, fearing stigma or ridicule. Health officials are now deploying targeted education campaigns to counteract these myths and encourage families to pursue medical treatment for malnourished children.

• Community outreach programs are being implemented to raise awareness about the signs of malnutrition and the importance of timely medical intervention.
• Partnerships with local leaders and influencers are essential for changing minds and encouraging health-seeking behavior among residents.

International Aid Efforts

International organizations, including MSF, have stepped up their presence in Kebbi, providing critical nutritional support and medical care. Their efforts are focused not only on immediate treatment but also on developing sustainable approaches to tackling malnutrition in the long term. This includes training local healthcare workers and bolstering food security initiatives.

Despite these efforts, the scale of the crisis continues to grow, fueled by economic instability, climate change, and ongoing insecurity in the region. During this critical time, the need for urgent global attention and support has never been more vital.

Looking Ahead

As Kebbi grapples with this humanitarian crisis, advocacy for comprehensive healthcare initiatives and community education remains crucial. With more than 600 children already lost, it is imperative that all stakeholders—in government, healthcare, and local communities—work collaboratively to reverse these alarming trends and secure a healthier future for the children of Kebbi.

By addressing both the immediate needs of malnourished children and the deep-rooted cultural beliefs contributing to the crisis, there is hope for a turnaround in Kebbi’s fight against severe malnutrition.

Through concerted efforts, awareness campaigns, and sustained international support, Kebbi can pave the way toward stronger health systems and better outcomes for its youngest residents.

In the face of such adversity, it is the collective responsibility of local and global communities to ensure that misconceptions do not continue to claim innocent lives.

The world must pay attention to the unfolding crisis in Kebbi, where every child’s life matters.

By Omer Aden
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.