Why half of Kano’s children are suffering from stunted growth — UNICEF

Over half of children in Kano State are experiencing stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition, according to UNICEF.

Speaking at the handover of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in Takai Local Government Area, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Mr. Rahma Farah, highlighted the nutrition crisis.

51.9% of children in Kano State are stunted due to chronic malnutrition.

The therapeutic food donation forms part of a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian government and UNICEF through the Child Nutrition Match Fund.

UNICEF also noted another troubling figure: over 10 per cent of children in Kano are “wasted”—a condition defined by being dangerously underweight for their height, often due to recent and severe weight loss.

“Wasting significantly increases the risk of death if not treated promptly,” Farah warned.

He stressed that child malnutrition remains a “major public health concern that requires urgent attention from all stakeholders.”

To address the crisis, he called for stronger investment in both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs, particularly within the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

Farah further urged government agencies, civil society groups, traditional and religious institutions to intensify efforts in improving access to nutrition services, healthcare, clean water, and education.

“Investment in child nutrition is one of the most cost effective interventions for national development,” he said.

Meanwhile, in response, Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, reiterated the state government’s commitment to enhancing child nutrition.

He noted that new maternal and child health programs have recently been rolled out.

“The state will continue to partner with UNICEF and other development partners to reduce malnutrition rates and improve child survival and development indicators,” Labaran assured.

Malnutrition continues to pose a serious threat to child survival in Nigeria, especially in northern states, where it is a major driver of child mortality and poor educational outcomes.

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