Early Nutrition Screening Strengthens Child Survival Efforts in Nigeria
In the Maliki 2 settlement of Demsa Local Government Area in Adamawa State, Aisha Ibrahim observed her 18-month-old son, Dauda, playing outside their home. Just weeks prior, Dauda had exhibited concerning symptoms: weakness, weight loss, and a refusal to eat. This situation underscores a critical public health issue in Nigeria, where malnutrition poses significant risks to child health and development.
During a routine outreach initiative, a mobile health team supported by the Adamawa State Government and the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted screenings for malnutrition and other health conditions. Utilizing a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) tape, Dauda was identified as malnourished and subsequently referred for treatment. Aisha expressed her initial lack of awareness regarding malnutrition, stating, “I was worried because he kept getting weaker.”
Following appropriate treatment and follow-up care, Dauda’s health improved significantly. Within four weeks, he regained his strength and returned to his normal activities. His recovery highlights the vital role of community-based screening and early intervention in identifying malnutrition and connecting children to necessary care before complications arise.
Detecting Malnutrition Early
Dauda’s experience is emblematic of broader efforts to enhance 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, particularly in fragile and hard-to-reach settings. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2023–2024) reveals that 40% of children under five are stunted, 8% are wasted, and approximately 2 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition annually. The burden is particularly pronounced in northern regions, including Adamawa State, where an estimated 6.4 million children aged 0–59 months are affected by acute malnutrition.
Bringing Services Closer to Communities
In response to these challenges, the Adamawa State Government is intensifying nutrition interventions aligned with national priorities, focusing on prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment. With technical support from WHO, ten mobile health teams have been deployed to security-compromised and hard-to-reach communities across ten local government areas. These teams, composed of nurses and community health workers, provide integrated services, including nutrition screening, basic treatment, and referrals.
From September to 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: “My son, Tikle, gained weight and started playing with his friends about four weeks after we visited the health center.”
Health workers emphasize the importance of early detection. Amina Aliyu, a community health worker involved in managing acute malnutrition services, noted, “When we identify children early, they recover faster and avoid complications. It also helps families continue care at home with the right guidance.”
Strengthening Systems for Impact
These outreach initiatives are part of a broader strategy to fortify the health system and expand 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 approach 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 emphasize integrated, community-based service delivery.
WHO is supporting 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, stated, “Strengthening early detection and treatment for acute malnutrition is critical to improving child survival, particularly in underserved communities.”
At the national level, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recognizes the urgent need to scale up such approaches. Olufunmilola Adegbite, Director and Head of Nutrition, remarked, “Malnutrition continues to threaten the survival, growth, and development of many Nigerian children. Expanding early detection and treatment through primary healthcare is essential to 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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