Malnutrition remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing and persistent challenge in its development journey. Today, 40% of children under five are stunted and 8% are wasted, a troubling rise from just five years ago, according to the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. These numbers are more than statistics; they reflect the stark reality that millions of Nigerian children are being denied the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

Yet, amid these challenges, there is hope.

Across Nigeria, a powerful movement is taking shape. At the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris this March, Nigeria renewed its commitment to tackling malnutrition with bold promises: increased funding, better accountability, and community-led action across all 774 local government areas (LGAs). These aren’t just words, they signal a real turning point in our fight against hunger and malnutrition.

With a vision to save lives and livelihoods, HSDF believes nutrition is not only a health issue. It’s a development imperative, an economic strategy, and a matter of equity and justice. Our work spans systems strengthening, policy reform, research, implementation, and community engagement — all geared toward helping the Nigerian government ensure no child should be malnourished.

We are actively partnering with stakeholders to scale high-impact interventions, secure long-term nutrition financing, and build strong local leadership. Whether it’s supporting the N774 Nutrition Initiative or shaping Nigeria’s global nutrition commitments, HSDF is building the systems that will feed and fuel our future.

Still, the journey is far from over. To truly combat malnutrition, we must align efforts across its

The vision is clear: a Nigeria where every child flourishes, every mother is nourished, and every community is strong.

At HSDF, we’re ready to join hands with government, donors, civil society organizations, and communities to bring this vision to life.

Let’s make nutrition everyone’s business and leave a legacy of health and hope for generations to come.

References

• NDHS 2024 Reports
• Nutrition for Growth (2025). Summit Highlights & Commitments.
• World Bank. (2022). Unlocking Human Capital: Nutrition in Nigeria.