Malnutrition threatening Nigeria’s Future, HEI, Cardgoal warn

2026-02-04 - 00:08

By Henry Obetta The Health Emergency Initiative, HEI, has warned that Nigeria’s future human capital is at risk as childhood malnutrition continues to undermine brain development, physical growth and long-term productivity. The non-governmental organisation raised the alarm on Tuesday during the flag-off of its Gift Health Nutrition Programme, implemented in partnership with Cardgoal, at Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos. HEI said malnutrition affects about 35 per cent of Nigerian children aged 0–5 years, with nearly four out of every 10 children showing signs of poor nutrition, a trend it described as a looming national emergency if not urgently addressed. Speaking at the event, HEI Executive Director, Mr. Paschal Achunine, said the programme is designed not just to feed children, but to safeguard the country’s long-term development. “Malnutrition is not just about hunger — it damages the brain, stunts growth and limits a child’s future potential. A poorly nourished child is at risk of low cognitive development, weak organ growth and long-term health complications. If we fail to act, we are raising a generation that may survive but operate below their full human capacity.” He explained that HEI’s years of medical outreach revealed that malnutrition is a root cause of many childhood illnesses seen at primary health facilities. “We discovered that behind many of the health challenges affecting children is poor nutrition. That is why this intervention is urgent. When a malnourished child grows up, the effects can extend into adulthood and even affect the next generation,” he said. Achunine noted that similar interventions by the organisation had recorded over 50 per cent recovery rates, adding that progress would be assessed within a month. “We will return in 30 days to evaluate the children and replenish supplies. With the nutrition knowledge mothers gained today, we expect to see rapid improvement,” he added. He called on government to strengthen Primary Health Care Centres, PHCs, with more resources and urged economic empowerment programmes for mothers to enable them provide nutritious meals at home. Also speaking, the Medical Director of Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Dr. Olanike Olutekunbi, described malnutrition as an underlying factor in many childhood diseases. “The first one to three years of life are critical for brain development. If we address malnutrition during this window, we secure proper brain growth and a healthier future for the child,” she said. She commended the organisers and expressed the hospital’s readiness for further collaboration. Beneficiaries also shared their experiences. Mrs. Sean Miriam, whose underweight child received support, said the programme offered both relief and vital knowledge. “I brought my child because she is underweight, and this programme has been very helpful. We were taught the right foods and daily nutrition children need. I learned a lot,” she said. The outreach featured nutrition education sessions for mothers and the distribution of health nutrition packages to vulnerable children. Health advocates say scaling up such interventions nationwide could play a key role in breaking the cycle of childhood malnutrition and protecting Nigeria’s social and economic future.