Médecins Sans Frontières reports at least 652 child deaths from severe malnutrition in Katsina amid aid withdrawal.
A report by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) announced today that at least 652 children have died from severe malnutrition in Katsina State between January and June 2025. This marks a 208% increase in malnutrition cases compared to the same period last year.
The crisis is attributed to declining humanitarian funding from foreign donors, which has disrupted critical nutrition programmes throughout the region. As aid dries up, families struggle to feed their children while displacement and insecurity continue to hamper relief access.
The UN’s World Food Programme indicated it will suspend assistance for 1.3 million people across northeastern Nigeria, heightening concerns for additional child deaths and community destabilisation.
While Nigeria has allocated ₦200 billion in emergency funds to plug the gap, MSF officials say rapid international support is still necessary to prevent further loss of life.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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