Early Nutrition Screening Strengthens Child Survival Efforts in Nigeria
Aisha Ibrahim observed her 18-month-old son, Dauda, playing outside their home in the Maliki 2 settlement of Demsa Local Government Area, Adamawa State. Just weeks prior, Dauda had shown signs of weakness, significant weight loss, and a refusal to eat.
During a routine outreach visit, a mobile health team, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and deployed by the Adamawa State Government, conducted screenings for malnutrition and other health conditions among local children. Using a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) tape, Dauda was identified as malnourished and subsequently referred for treatment.
Aisha expressed her concern, stating she was unaware that her son’s condition was malnutrition and was increasingly worried as he continued to weaken.
After receiving treatment and follow-up care, Dauda’s health improved significantly. Within four weeks, he regained his strength and returned to his usual activities. His recovery underscores the critical role of community-based screening and early referral in identifying malnutrition and ensuring timely access to care before complications arise.
Detecting Malnutrition Early
Dauda’s situation exemplifies broader initiatives aimed at enhancing community-based primary healthcare in Adamawa State. With support from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the State Government and WHO are expanding integrated outreach services that combine nutrition screening, immunization, and referrals for underserved populations.
Early detection and treatment of malnutrition have been shown to improve survival and recovery outcomes, especially in fragile and hard-to-reach areas. According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2023–2024), malnutrition remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with 40% of children under five classified as stunted and 8% as wasted. Approximately 2 million children experience severe acute malnutrition each year.
The burden of malnutrition is particularly severe in northern Nigeria, including Adamawa State. In 2025, an estimated 6.4 million children aged 0–59 months across the northeast, northwest, and north-central regions were affected by acute malnutrition, with around 2 million suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Ongoing conflict and displacement further hinder access to essential services.
Bringing Services Closer to Communities
To combat these challenges, the Adamawa State Government is intensifying nutrition interventions in alignment with national priorities, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment.
With technical assistance from WHO, ten mobile health teams have been deployed to security-compromised and hard-to-reach communities across ten local government areas. These teams, consisting of nurses and community health workers, provide integrated services including nutrition screening, basic treatment, and referrals.
Between September and December 2025, outreach teams screened 36,727 children, identifying 527 with severe acute malnutrition and 1,263 with moderate acute malnutrition. All identified children were referred to treatment centers for follow-up care.
Salamatu Sani, a resident of Kwana Billa settlement in Gombi Local Government Area, shared her experience, stating that her son, Tikle, began to gain weight and resumed playing with friends about four weeks after their visit to the health center. The health team measured Tikle’s arm and referred them to the clinic, where they received ready-to-use therapeutic food and guidance on feeding.
Health workers emphasize the importance of early detection. Amina Aliyu, a community health worker involved in managing acute malnutrition services, noted that early identification allows for quicker recovery and helps families continue care at home with appropriate guidance.
Strengthening Systems for Impact
These outreach activities are part of broader efforts to fortify the health system and enhance access to life-saving services. Early nutrition screening is being integrated into routine primary healthcare to ensure continuity of care at the community level.
This strategy aligns with national frameworks, including the National Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (2021–2025) and the National Policy on Food and Nutrition (2016–2025; 2026–2035), which advocate for integrated, community-based service delivery.
WHO is assisting the State Government by training over 40 frontline health workers across ten local government areas, enhancing nutrition surveillance systems, and providing technical guidance and standards.
Dr. Yusuf Abdulhakeen, WHO State Coordinator in Adamawa, emphasized that improving early detection and treatment for acute malnutrition is vital for enhancing child survival, particularly in underserved communities.
At the national level, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has underscored the necessity of scaling up such approaches. Olufunmilola Adegbite, Director and Head of Nutrition, stated that malnutrition continues to jeopardize the survival, growth, and development of many Nigerian children. Expanding early detection and treatment through primary healthcare is essential for reducing preventable child deaths.
For children like Dauda and Tikle, early screening facilitates timely treatment and recovery. Expanding integrated nutrition services through primary healthcare is crucial for reaching more vulnerable children, preventing complications, and advancing progress toward improved child survival in Nigeria.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-26 20:15:00 • By the Editorial Desk
