Nigeria Kano’s Silent Crisis: 469 Children Lost to Malnutrition in Six Months

The Digest:

At least 469 children died from malnutrition between January and July 2025. Professor Ruqayya Aliyu Yusuf of Bayero University Kano revealed the alarming data, citing 2025 UNICEF reports that show 51.9% of children in the state are stunted.

Key Points:

• At least 469 children under five died from malnutrition in Kano in six months
• 51.9% of children in Kano are stunted, exceeding the national average of 40%
• Poverty, food insecurity, and poor dietary habits are primary drivers
• Kano has the highest underweight prevalence for under-fives in Nigeria at 42.6%
• Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of childhood blindness and severe infections
• Experts stress urgent need for localised homestead vegetable gardening initiatives
• The crisis reflects deep systemic challenges beyond immediate hunger

Behind these statistics lies a profound human narrative, a storm of poverty and neglect where the most vulnerable pay the ultimate price, revealing the fragile roots of community health and resilience.

Sources: Daily Trust, UNICEF Reports