A heartbreaking incident has been reported in Makurdi, Benue State, where a severely malnourished child was found abandoned under the scorching sun. The child, believed to belong to a poor family fleeing herdsmen attacks, was discovered by a resident named Norman Skillful Tor, who shared a photo of the child on Facebook, seeking urgent help for the infant.
Condition of the Child
- *Severe Malnutrition*: The child is suffering from severe acute malnutrition, a condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
- *Abandonment*: The circumstances surrounding the child's abandonment are unclear, but it's evident that the child was left without proper care or supervision ¹.
Context of Malnutrition in Nigeria
- *Alarming Rates*: Nigeria is facing a deepening nutrition emergency, with over 2 million children currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition, according to UNICEF.
- *Regional Disparities*: The crisis is particularly severe in the northern regions, where conflict, poverty, and climate change have compounded food insecurity and weakened access to healthcare.
- *Call to Action*: Health authorities and humanitarian organizations are urging for immediate action to address the crisis, including increased funding, skilled personnel, and essential medicines ².
Response and Concerns
- *Urgent Need for Intervention*: The situation demands urgent attention, with 400,000 children risking preventable deaths in one month and eight days due to severe malnutrition.
- *Government and Humanitarian Efforts*: The government, in collaboration with international donors and humanitarian organizations, is working to address the crisis through initiatives like the Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program and food fortification campaigns ³.
