The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed concern over the alarming rate of malnutrition among Nigerian children, describing it as one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the association revealed that more than 35 per cent of children under the age of five in Nigeria are affected by malnutrition. According to NARD, this situation poses a serious threat to the nation’s future, as it undermines the growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being of millions of children.
The doctors warned that the impact of malnutrition extends beyond immediate health concerns, noting that poorly nourished children are more likely to suffer from stunted growth, weakened immunity, and poor performance in school, thereby limiting their potential to contribute meaningfully to national development in the long run.
NARD urged the federal and state governments to prioritize interventions that address child nutrition, including improved maternal health services, access to affordable and balanced diets, poverty alleviation, and increased funding for health care delivery.
“The statistics are worrisome and call for urgent action,” the association stated, adding that collaborative efforts among government agencies, development partners, and civil society are needed to combat the menace.
Health experts have long identified malnutrition as a leading contributor to child mortality in Nigeria, with UNICEF and other agencies warning that food insecurity, poverty, and inadequate healthcare remain key drivers of the crisis.
NARD’s warning adds to the growing calls for sustained policy interventions to improve food security, tackle poverty, and ensure that children across the country have access to adequate nutrition.
