Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of child malnutrition globally, with millions of children at risk each year. The Nigerian Red Cross (NRCS) revealed in July 2025 that the malnutrition crisis in Nigeria is escalating and 1.8 million children could die from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) if urgent action is not taken. This comes on the heels of dwindling resources due to funding cuts in the humanitarian sector.
Northwest Nigeria has recorded the highest number of malnourished children this year during the peak season which generally occurs from July to October. Although the peak is over, tens of thousands of children may still risk death if they do not receive treatment by the end of the year. Displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare have worsened the situation in the region.
This crucial EU humanitarian support will help ALIMA treat thousands of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which continues to affect many communities in Nigeria.
Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF); bringing children back from the brink in a matter of weeks
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is a high-energy, ready-to-use, nutrient-dense food paste specially designed to treat Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) without medical complications in children between 6 months and 5 years old. It is made from peanuts, milk powder, sugar, vegetable oil, vitamins, and minerals.
It is Long-lasting (up to 2 years if unopened) and resistant to bacterial contamination, so it can be given at home without medical supervision. RUTF helps children gain weight quickly and recover from malnutrition. ALIMA provides care to severely malnourished patients by giving them a prescribed number of sachets a day.
When ALIMA Health Promoters visited her community for malnutrition screening, 23-year-old Sauda Lawal learned that her 12-month-old daughter, Rabia’atu, was malnourished. She brought her to the ALIMA-supported Kaita Comprehensive Healthcare Center in Kaita Local Government Area, Katsina State, for care.
“She had fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. She lost a lot of weight. I was worried and scared she would not survive. When I brought her here, they gave her milk and PPN. We have been coming here for 6 weeks since then and collecting PPN every week. The first ration I was given was 14 sachets, then they were giving me 7 sachets weekly. She is much better now. Since she started eating it her weight has improved. Now I am happy.”
“This RUTF shipment is a lifeline for many children in the Northwest as RUTF is vital to treating malnutrition. This peak season alone, 3,822 children have been admitted for the treatment of severe malnutrition in ALIMA supported Outpatient Programs, and 3,594 have been discharged as cured from the program,” said ALIMA Medical Coordinator, Dr Joseph-Désiré Yuma “Thanks to EU humanitarian support, we can ensure more children get the urgent treatment they need to survive and thrive.”
Donated by ManaNutrition, the newly dispatched 20,000 boxes of RUTF, with the support of EU funded humanitarian partners in the northwest – International Medical Corps (IMC), Médecins Du Monde (MDM), Action Against Hunger (ACF), Premiere Urgence Internationale (PUI), and Life Helpers Initiatives (LHI) – will be distributed across health facilities and outreach programs, reaching the most vulnerable children in those communities.
“The European Union remains committed to supporting its partners in reaching vulnerable Nigerian families in times of crisis. Every box of RUTF represents a child’s chance to recover from malnutrition, regain strength, and look forward to a healthier future,” said the head of EU Humanitarian Aid Operations in Nigeria, Alexandre Castellano.
With funding from the European Union (ECHO), ALIMA continues to provide lifesaving nutrition services using an integrated approach combining medical care, nutritional support, and community based follow up to maximize impact, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Cover photo: © MD Mohammed / ALIMA
