Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised serious concerns over the sharp rise in malnutrition cases in Bauchi State, calling for increased investment and broader collaboration to address the growing crisis.
Speaking during his send-forth ceremony on Thursday in Bauchi, the outgoing MSF Head of Mission, Adam Ngari, described the situation as alarming and overwhelming.
He appealed to the Bauchi State Government and both national and international partners to intensify efforts in providing critical care for vulnerable children and families.
“Bauchi State is experiencing an unprecedented surge in malnutrition, and our facilities are already operating beyond capacity, even though we are still early in the peak season,” Ngari said.
He noted that MSF, in collaboration with the Bauchi State Ministry of Health and other partners, is working relentlessly to ensure families receive lifesaving care.
Since 2022, MSF has been at the forefront of the malnutrition response in Bauchi. The organisation operates a 250-bed inpatient therapeutic feeding centre and a paediatric ward at Kafin Madaki General Hospital in Ganjuwa Local Government Area. During peak periods, capacity is increased to 350 beds, with temporary structures like tents set up to accommodate more patients.
MSF also runs three outpatient therapeutic feeding centres in Kafin Madaki, Kafin Liman, and Miya, as well as outreach services in Miya Ward’s eight Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) villages. These initiatives empower community health workers to diagnose and treat childhood illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea, improving access to essential healthcare in remote areas.
Ngari revealed that between January and April this year alone, MSF treated 27,868 children for malnutrition—a 34.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. While hospital admissions slightly decreased by 4.8 percent, complications such as kwashiorkor and severe infections due to late presentation continue to pose major challenges.
Expressing satisfaction with the organisation’s work, Ngari said, “My happiness is that MSF has put smiles on the faces of so many children, families, and communities where we work.”
He reiterated the urgent need for greater support and collaboration to curb rising malnutrition rates and save the lives of countless children across Bauchi State.
