652 Children Die of Malnutrition in Katsina in Six Months

By Okafor Joseph | Katsina | July 26, 2025

Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) has confirmed that 652 children have died of severe acute malnutrition in Katsina State between January and June 2025.

This represents a 208% increase from the same period in 2024. The international medical humanitarian group said that the rising death toll is due to an unprecedented influx of severely malnourished children seeking treatment at its facilities.

“This is the worst we’ve seen in years. Our centres are overwhelmed. Most children arrive in critical condition,” said MSF’s Head of Mission in Nigeria.

The organization attributes the surge in cases to widespread insecurity, which has displaced thousands of farming families in the state. This has led to reduced food production and restricted access to health services.

Despite efforts by the federal and state governments—including a ₦200 billion health intervention fund—the response remains insufficient. Aid groups are urging more coordinated action and donor support to avert further loss of life.