Rising Malnutrition in Mubi: The Children Behind the Growing Numbers.

A rise in malnutrition admissions at health facilities supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross highlights the growing nutritional challenges facing vulnerable families in north-eastern Nigeria.

For a parent whose child is struggling to gain weight or recover from illness, finding adequate food and medical support can become an urgent concern.

In Adamawa State, new figures from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have drawn attention to the increasing number of children and other vulnerable people requiring nutritional treatment.

A report published by Premium Times on October 15, 2026, said malnutrition admissions at ten ICRC-supported health facilities across north-eastern Nigeria rose from approximately 17,000 between January and September 2025 to nearly 20,000 during the same period in 2026.

Mubi recorded a particularly sharp increase. Admissions rose from about 4,600 to approximately 5,700, representing an increase of nearly 24 per cent.

The figures reflect a wider humanitarian challenge in which insecurity, disrupted livelihoods and economic pressures can make it difficult for households to obtain sufficient nutritious food.

Young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are among those particularly vulnerable to malnutrition.

The report also highlighted the experience of a mother, Zulaihatu Mohammed, who brought her six-month-old daughter to the Mubi Stabilisation Centre for nutritional support.

Her experience illustrates the personal concerns behind statistics showing increasing demand for treatment.

Addressing malnutrition requires more than hospital care. Families also need access to affordable food, reliable healthcare and support that helps them maintain adequate nutrition at home.

Humanitarian organisations have been providing nutritional treatment and promoting locally prepared nutritious foods, while supporting health facilities and vulnerable households.

The rise in admissions nevertheless raises an important question: how can communities ensure that children receive adequate nutrition before their condition becomes severe?

For families facing food insecurity, timely treatment and sustained access to nutritious food can make a critical difference.

Source: Premium Times, October 15, 2026, reporting ICRC data.