Malaria continues to be one of the most significant diseases impacting malnourished children across Nigeria, according to reports from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders.
Alibaba Nuraddeen, the acting Medical Team Leader for MSF in Katsina, made this statement during an event to commemorate World Malaria Day in 2026. He highlighted the critical link between the two health issues.
Nuraddeen indicated that malaria is consistently among the top three diseases treated at the organization's Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centres (ITFCs) throughout 2025. These centres provide care for children suffering from severe malnutrition.
He further revealed that the ITFCs admitted approximately 26,000 children during the year, with many of these cases involving co-infections. The centre recorded admissions for malaria, acute watery diarrhoea, and sepsis, which collectively pose a severe threat to the survival of children in northern Nigeria.
"Malaria and malnutrition are deeply interconnected. Malaria reduces appetite and food intake, while malnutrition weakens immunity, making children more susceptible to severe infection," Nuraddeen explained.
He cautioned that failing to accurately diagnose malaria in children who are already malnourished can lead to prolonged illness and hinder their recovery process.
"A child with untreated or recurrent malaria, over weeks, may eventually slip into malnutrition," he added.
Consequently, Nuraddeen stated that MSF has implemented mandatory malaria screening for every child admitted into its feeding programs.
Citing data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), he noted that Nigeria bears a substantial burden of malaria globally, accounting for 24.3 per cent of all cases and 30.3 per cent of all malaria-related deaths. This places Nigeria as the largest contributor in West Africa.
In related health news, MSF previously expressed concern over a significant 74.1% rise in admitted malnourished children in Kebbi State.
Nigeria's federal government is reportedly expanding its malaria vaccination program as a measure to combat infections. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has extended the program, which began in Bayelsa and Kebbi, to include Bauchi and Ondo states.
Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, stated that this expansion is part of a strategic effort to decrease the prevalence of malaria and reduce child mortality rates within the country.
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