Nutritionists fear rise in infant deaths as food crisis worsens

Nutrition experts have raised the alarm that the lack of access to healthy diet by millions of Nigerians will  put children under five at risk of poor brain development, weak learning, low immunity, increased infections and, may increase infant mortality.

They noted that inadequate nutrition among children under five increases their risk of death, stressing the need for improved dietary practices at this critical stage of the development.

Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise in separate interviews, the medical experts lamented that many Nigerian parents were unable to provide their children with balanced diets due to poverty.

Recently, a report by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO, titled ‘Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms’, revealed that a staggering 172 million Nigerians were reported to lack access to healthy food.

According to the report, as of 2022, about 172 million Nigerians were unable to afford a healthy diet, which was about 78.7 per cent.

The report showed that the proportion of the population unable to afford a healthy diet has been increasing steadily since 2017.

According to the report, as of 2022, a Nigerian, who could afford a healthy diet, would need about $3.83 (approximately N6,000 at current exchange rate)  per day to be able to do so.

Similarly, a report produced by the National Bureau of Statistics and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition revealed that the average cost of a healthy diet for a Nigerian adult rose from N858 in January to N1,241 in June 2024, the June.

The NBS report showed that the CoHD increased by 45 per cent in the first six months of 2024, while the general inflation and food inflation rose to 33 and 40 per cent, respectively.

Reacting, the experts who exclusively spoke with our correspondent, warned that malnourished under-five children were more susceptible to illness and infections, which can further compromise their already fragile health.

They noted that this vulnerability was particularly alarming given the necessary growth and development stages that occur during early childhood.

According to them, without access to adequate and nutritious food, under-five children face increased risks of developmental delays and long-term health issues.

According to Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018, the country has a worrisome infant mortality of 39 per cent with 132 deaths per 1000 live births.

The survey added that the infant mortality rate as of 2018 was 67 deaths per 1000 live births.

A Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Ignatius Onimawo stressed the vulnerability of children under five, who rely entirely on their caregivers for nourishment.

Onimawo, who is a former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, noted that these children were at significant risk because they could source or prepare their food, adding that their nutritional status is directly dependent on the availability and quality of food provided by their households.

The former Nutrition Society of Nigeria President lamented that poverty hinders access to adequate food in many Nigerian homes, adding that this had worsened the risks faced by under-five children.

“These children cannot provide for themselves and depend entirely on their caregivers. If the household cannot afford a diverse and nutritious diet due to poverty, it directly impacts the child’s health and development,” he stressed.

The don pointed out that malnutrition often begins before birth.

According to him, pregnant women who are malnourished may produce insufficient breast milk, which is crucial for a child’s health during the first six months of life.

He maintained that exclusive breastfeeding, recommended for the first six months, was compromised if the mother was undernourished.

This failure, he stated, could lead to severe malnutrition in the child, stunting their growth and affecting brain development.

“Breastfeeding is vital for the first six months of a child’s life. If a mother cannot provide this due to malnutrition, the child misses out on essential nutrients.

“This leads to stunting, where the child is too short for their age and suffers from cognitive impairments. These deficiencies have long-term consequences for their educational performance and overall productivity,” the professor warned.

While stressing that the impact of malnutrition was profound, the food health expert said children who are stunted and suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, vitamin A, zinc, and iodine, face significant developmental challenges.

He explained that such children might have shorter attention spans, reduced cognitive abilities, and physical limitations that hinder their future potential.

“In Nigeria’s northern regions, particularly the northwest, northeast, and parts of north-central, we see a high incidence of severely malnourished children.

“These children are often physically stunted and may appear much younger than their actual age. The long-term effects include reduced educational and employment opportunities, and in severe cases, these children may become a burden on society,” he noted.

He, however, identified food insecurity and poverty as primary drivers of malnourishment in the country.

Onimawo stressed that without addressing these underlying issues, efforts to improve child nutrition would be limited.

When asked how it contributes to high infant and maternal mortality in the country, the don added, “Infant mortality is worsened by the lack of proper nutrition. When mothers are unable to breastfeed due to malnutrition and turn to inadequate milk substitutes, the risk of diarrhoea and other health issues increases. This often leads to high mortality rates among infants.”

To combat this crisis, the nutrition expert called for urgent interventions to address food insecurity and poverty.

He maintained that by improving access to nutritious food and supporting maternal health, Nigeria can make significant strides in reducing infant mortality and improving overall child development.

Corroborating his statement, a nutrition expert, Taiwo Babatunde noted that inadequate nutrition during the early years of a child significantly elevates the risk of death.

While describing malnutrition as an urgent public health crisis that demands immediate attention, the food expert noted that the quality of food that children receive during their formative years is critical to their overall health, development, and survival.

She lamented, “Many children in Nigeria are suffering from malnutrition due to poor dietary choices and a lack of access to essential nutrients.

“Malnourished children under five are particularly vulnerable to infections and diseases, which can further weaken their already compromised health.

“The early years of life are a period of rapid growth and development, and insufficient nutrition during this stage can lead to severe health problems, including developmental delays and an increased risk of chronic conditions later in life.

“This heightened vulnerability is particularly concerning given the crucial role that adequate nutrition plays in the healthy growth and cognitive development of young children.”

She, however, said the impact of food insecurity extends beyond individual health to affect the broader socio-economic landscape.

She added, “Children who suffer from malnutrition often face educational challenges due to decreased cognitive abilities and lower academic performance. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and hinder national development, as these children may grow up to face significant barriers to employment and economic stability.

“Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Improving food security and access to nutritious food is essential for breaking the cycle of malnutrition and its associated health risks.

“This includes enhancing food distribution systems, providing financial support to low-income families, and promoting nutritional education to help families make healthier food choices.

“The link between poor dietary habits in under-fives and high infant mortality rates in Nigeria is a pressing issue that demands comprehensive and sustained action.

“By addressing the root causes of food insecurity and improving access to nutritious food, Nigeria can make significant strides in reducing infant mortality and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.”