Katsina children face high malaria risk amid malnutrition crisis – MSF

The acting medical team leader of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Katsina State, Dr Ali Baba Nuradeen, has said malaria continues to rank among the top illnesses affecting children receiving care at the organisation’s nutrition facility.

Speaking during activities marking the World Malaria Day 2026, Nuradeen explained that malaria remains a significant contributor to child morbidity, particularly among malnourished children.

He noted that data from the MSF facility shows that, in addition to underlying malnutrition, the most common conditions treated include acute watery diarrhoea, sepsis, and malaria.

According to him, malaria consistently features among the top three illnesses managed at the centre, with many children presenting multiple infections.

“In several cases, children admitted for conditions such as diarrhoea and sepsis are also found to be co-infected with malaria,” he said.

Nuradeen attributed the high burden to weakened immunity among malnourished children, which increases their vulnerability to severe malaria infections.

He stressed that the situation underscores the strong link between malnutrition and infectious diseases, especially malaria, which continues to affect thousands of children across northern Nigeria.

The MSF team leader added that all admitted children are routinely screened for malaria, with prompt treatment provided for those who test positive.

He further noted that despite being both preventable and treatable, malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness among children, particularly during peak transmission periods.

Nuradeen called for stronger preventive efforts, including the use of insecticide-treated nets, improved environmental sanitation, and the expansion of seasonal malaria chemoprevention programmes.

“Malaria remains a major public health challenge, but with sustained and coordinated efforts, its impact—especially among vulnerable children—can be significantly reduced,” he said.