Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Under 5 Years Children in Nigeria: A Review of Urgent Calls for Public Health Interventions

Malnutrition remains a critical public health crisis in Nigeria, particularly among children under five years, contributing to approximately 45% of under-five mortality and imposing substantial economic burdens estimated at 11% of gross domestic product. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from 13 studies published between 2010 and 2025, drawing on national surveys and regional analyses to examine the prevalence, determinants, and trends of undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight), micronutrient deficiencies, and the emerging double burden of malnutrition. Prevalence rates indicate 32-37% stunting, 7-10% wasting, and 22-29% underweight nationally, with stark regional disparities highest in northern states (up to 57% stunting in the Northwest). Key risk factors include low maternal education, household poverty, inadequate complementary feeding, infections, and conflict-driven food insecurity. Despite interventions like community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), coverage remains low, treating only 20% of severe cases. Projections for 2025 forecast an additional 1 million children at risk of acute malnutrition amid climate shocks and economic instability. Urgent multisectoral actions, integrating nutrition-sensitive agriculture, maternal education, and conflict mitigation, are essential to meet World Health Organization targets by 2025 and avert irreversible developmental losses. This review underscores the ethical imperative for scaled-up, equity-focused public health responses to safeguard Nigeria's future generations.