The need

Nigeria has the greatest number of stunted children in Africa, and ranks second globally, with more than 10 million stunted children.

In 2018, 32% of children under five were found to be stunted and nearly 20% were underweight.

Besides a lack of basic protein and energy, the immediate causes of undernutrition include deficiencies in micronutrients, such as vitamin A, iron, iodine and zinc.

Women and girls also experience high rates of malnutrition, with 58% of women found to be anaemic.

Nigeria is experiencing a double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, exists alongside overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Underlying causes of malnutrition in Nigeria include poor infant and young child feeding practices, inadequate access to healthcare, water and sanitation, and a high level of poverty.

Our solution

Improving health, development and productivity through better nutrition.

Read the Nigeria Country Brief

Since 2007, Nutrition international has been working closely with government agencies, partners and key stakeholders in Nigeria to implement lifesaving and life-enhancing nutrition interventions.

In Nigeria, we focus on:

  • Providing technical assistance to the Government of Nigeria
  • Delivering a maternal nutrition program including iron and folic acid supplementation, nutrition counseling and the promotion of early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding
  • Improving the availability of sufficient, quality iron and folic acid for pregnant women in government health facilities
  • Increasing the uptake of iron and folic acid among pregnant women and promoting the alignment of national and state-level policies with international guidelines on iron and folic acid
  • Strengthening the capacity of health care workers and community-based health volunteers to provide quality care to pregnant women
  • Supporting vitamin A supplementation for children under five during biannual Maternal Newborn and Child Health Weeks by providing a full national supply of vitamin A capsules
  • Creating demand for zinc and low-osmolarity oral rehydration salts to treat diarrhoea in children under five and building the capacity of health workers to provide the treatment
  • Expanding knowledge and awareness about micronutrient supplementation and healthy eating for vulnerable adolescent girls and adult women in Nigeria

Contact information

Get in touch

Country Director, Nigeria
Dr. Osita Samuel Okonkwo
Email: okonkwo@nutritionintl.org

Nutrition International Nigeria
No. 35 Justice Sowemimo Street, Asokoro
Off TY Danjuma Street
Abuja FCT, Nigeria

Telephone: +234 9292 0096