Nigeria is confronting a serious nutritional crisis, with new data revealing that an estimated 24 million children are affected by anaemia. The federal government has also reported that anaemia impacts 58 percent of women in their reproductive years.
Anaemia, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to transport oxygen effectively to its tissues. Iron deficiency is the most frequent nutritional cause, though deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12, and A also play significant roles.
These stark statistics were brought to light on Tuesday during a capacity- building event organized by CS-SUNN (Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria) focused on enhancing the media's role in anaemia prevention within the country.
Helen Achimugu, Assistant Director in the Nutrition Department of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, presented findings that underscored the severity of the situation. She stated that anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies continue to compromise the health, productivity, and survival rates of millions of Nigerians.
Citing the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), Achimugu revealed, “We have about 35 million stunted children, over 14 million wasted children and roughly 24 million children who are anaemic. This is not just a health issue; it is a development emergency.” She further noted that the 2023 NDHS data shows 58 percent of women of reproductive age in Nigeria are anaemic, a figure that means over half of the nation's women live with a condition that is largely preventable and treatable.
The nutrition crisis affects not only children but also pregnant women. Nigeria currently holds the position of first in Africa and second globally for the number of stunted children.
Achimugu elaborated that micronutrient deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger,” are pervasive, particularly affecting children under five and women of reproductive age. “They are called hidden hunger because the signs are not always visible, but their impact on health, learning ability and productivity is profound,” she explained.
Factors contributing to this trend include poor dietary diversity, food insecurity, and socio-economic issues. The prevalence is currently higher in the northern regions of Nigeria, largely attributed to dietary habits and accessibility of nutritious foods. Achimugu identified essential micronutrients like iron, iodine, zinc, folate, and Vitamin A as critical for growth and immunity.
The government is implementing strategies to combat the problem, including food fortification, supplementation programs, and promoting dietary diversification. A key focus is on Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women. Achimugu highlighted that MMS provides 15 essential vitamins and minerals, a significant enhancement over iron and folic acid supplements which contain only two. She recommended daily intake for pregnant women, stressing its importance for reducing the risks of anaemia and other deficiencies during and after pregnancy.
In his opening remarks, Sunday Okoronkwo, Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, described anaemia as one of Nigeria's most persistent, yet preventable, public health challenges, disproportionately affecting women and children who rely on others to voice their needs.
Okoronkwo emphasized that despite being preventable and treatable, anaemia continues to have a substantial impact on maternal health, child development, and national productivity. He argued that tackling this burden requires more than policies and programs; it necessitates awareness, advocacy, accountability, and sustained public engagement.
He urged journalists to go beyond presenting statistics and to use human- interest stories that can inspire policy action. “Your stories have the power to move those in authority to do what they ought to do. The prevention through adequate nutrition remains more cost-effective than emergency interventions,” Okoronkwo concluded.
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