MSF Calls For Collaboration To Arrest Malnutrition Crisis In Nigeria
Dr. Simba Tirima, MSF Country Representative in Nigeria.
By Murtala Muhammad
Medicine Sans Frontieres (MSF) says for Nigeria to address severe and moderate acute malnutrition among children, there must be a constant supply of Ready To Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in all treatment centres across the country.
The MSF Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Simba Tirima made the assertion in a video message during an engagement meeting with print and broadcast journalists in Bauchi.
He said northern states in the country were facing malnutrition crisis, calling for a multi sectoral approach towards tackling the problem.
Speaking, the MSF Project Coordinator in Bauchi State, Mrs Rabi Adamou expressed concern over what she termed as catastrophic increase in malnutrition admissions seen in the first half of 2024 in Bauchi
Mrs. Adamou called for collaboration with Development Partners and Non Governmental Organizations towards addressing crisis.
She said although there may be many factors compounding the increase in admissions, the numbers being seen by MSF were incredibly high.
Mrs Adamou noted that malnutrition surge in Bauchi state was overwhelming, emphasizing that MSF was open for collaboration with any organization willing to help in savings the lives of children severe acute malnutrition in the state and the country at large.
On her part, the MSF Nutrition Adviser, Mrs. Nathalie Avril said given the multifaceted causes of malnutrition, it was imperative that the response was equally comprehensive and cut across multiple sectors.
The Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed commended MSF’s interventions, assuring government’s provision of conducive environment to enable it operate effectively.
