Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has reported that conflict, insecurity, displacement, flooding, drought, and rising food prices continue to undermine access to food and healthcare for millions of Nigerians. The organization also warned that humanitarian funding cuts are placing additional pressure on already overstretched health services in high-need communities across the country.
MSF 2025 Country Activity Report
Presenting its 2025 Country Activity Report in Abuja, MSF disclosed that its teams, working alongside health authorities, treated more than 440,000 children for malnutrition, over 300,000 people for malaria, and assisted in more than 33,500 deliveries across Nigeria. According to the organization, these interventions provided lifesaving care in some of the country's most underserved and crisis-affected communities.
MSF said 353,989 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were treated through outpatient programs, while 90,723 children with acute malnutrition and medical complications were admitted into inpatient stabilization centers in MSF-supported facilities. The organization noted a sharp rise in malnutrition cases across several northern Nigerian projects since 2022, adding that 2025 recorded the highest number of admissions so far.
Rising Malnutrition Cases
“Between 2022 and 2025, MSF managed about 350,000 outpatient and 100,000 inpatient cases of acute malnutrition and related complications,” the report stated. Speaking at the event, MSF Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Ahmed Aldikhari, described the latest figures as alarming. “The 2025 data tells a harrowing story, with more than 440,000 children placed on treatment. It is the highest number of malnutrition admissions MSF has recorded in Nigeria in recent years,” he said.
Vicious Cycle of Disease and Malnutrition
Aldikhari explained that malnutrition remains both a cause and consequence of preventable diseases affecting vulnerable communities with limited access to healthcare. “We are witnessing a vicious cycle where malnutrition fuels diseases such as measles, malaria, and diphtheria, while those same diseases worsen malnutrition, especially in communities where healthcare is delayed or inaccessible,” he stated. He stressed that stronger community engagement is essential in tackling disease outbreaks and improving vaccine acceptance, noting that communities are more likely to support health interventions when they understand and participate in them.
Call for Investment in Healthcare
Aldikhari also called for increased investment in emergency maternal healthcare and stronger primary healthcare systems, particularly in underserved areas. “Timely access to emergency obstetric and newborn care saves lives. There is an urgent need for greater investment in primary healthcare, referral systems, staffing, equipment, and emergency maternal services,” he added.
MSF Operations in Nigeria
MSF has operated in Nigeria since 1996, responding to disease outbreaks, malnutrition, maternal health emergencies, natural disasters, conflict-related crises, and healthcare gaps. In 2025, the organization ran regular medical projects in 10 states, including Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, while establishing a new presence in Kaduna. It also responded to emergencies in other states, including Niger and Adamawa.
