Understanding the Malnutrition Crisis in Nigeria

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Nigeria is Africa’s most populous region and by far the worst affected nation when it comes to child malnutrition. Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of malnutrition in the world, with 2 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) every year. However, a very small fraction of this population of children under 5 manage to receive effective and timely treatment, narrowly escaping soaring child mortality rates and long-term developmental challenges. The statistics as per a recent study are alarming and raise concerns for immediate action.

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    • 37% of all children under 5 in Nigeria are stunted (chronically malnourished), leading to irreversible cognitive and physical impairments.
    • 7% of these children suffer from wasting (a more severe effect of acute malnutrition), which significantly increases the risk of mortality.
    • 22% of the children are severely underweight, reflecting both chronic and acute malnutrition.

There are many factors that contribute to the conditions of children in Nigeria  – poverty, food insecurity, inadequate maternal nutrition, poor feeding practices, and limited healthcare access being a few of them. This population sees the most child deaths (especially children under 5). Such dire situations call for immediate and targeted nutritional interventions such as Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (LNS), Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), and Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) provide crucial solutions to combat malnutrition effectively.

How LNS, RUTF, and RUSF Help Address Malnutrition in Nigeria

LNS is a specialized nutrition product that has been instrumental in treating and preventing malnutrition in Nigeria. Scientifically formulated, LNS is a nutrient-dense food designed to meet the specific needs of malnourished children and at-risk populations.

1. Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (LNS)

LNS products are small, nutrient-rich pastes made from peanut butter, milk powder, sugar, vegetable oils, and added vitamins and minerals. These are categorized based on dosage and intended usage:

LNS helps prevent malnutrition before it becomes critical, supporting early childhood development and improving pregnancy outcomes in expectant mothers. Addressing micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine is the first step in helping children grow healthier and stronger and LNS does that.

2. Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)

RUTF is a supertool in the fight against SAM. RUTF is an energy-dense paste enriched with micronutrients. It requires no refrigeration or water for preparation, therefore making it highly suitable for Nigeria’s challenging conditions. It is provided as a six-to-eight-week regimen helping restore children suffering from SAM to health.

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    • Studies show that over 90% of SAM children treated with RUTF recover fully with RUTF.
    • RUTF allows caregivers to treat their children at home, reducing hospital overcrowding and healthcare costs unlike hospital-based interventions.
    • Due to its long shelf-life and ease of transport, RUTF is ideal for emergency and conflict-affected areas in Nigeria, such as the North-East states (Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa), where malnutrition is most severe.

3. Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF)

Think of RUSF as a bridge between LNS and RUTF treating MAM before it turns to severe stages. It is typically provided to children who are malnourished but not yet at critical levels, helping them regain weight and strength.

RUSF in Nigeria is a crucial aspect of community-based nutrition programs, specifically in those regions where food insecurity is prevalent. RUSF helps

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    • Prevents malnutrition and progressing to SAM
    • Supports recovery after illness
    • Strengthens immunity
    • Complements general food distribution in humanitarian interventions
Nuflower is a manufacturer of high quality LNS, RUTF and RUSF in India, supplying these life saving products to the vulnerable populations of Nigeria. Nuflower has been a trusted manufacturer for RUTF and RUSF for over a decade and aims to continue fighting malnutrition with its innovative products. Check out our portfolio of products and how we help children in Nigeria overcome the fatal risks of malnutrition.

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