Leveraging communication to end malnutrition in Nigeria

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) recently released a report highlighting a troubling nutrition crisis in Nigeria’s Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states. This region is witnessing a surge in severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), putting millions of children under five years of age at grave risk.

The numbers are staggering: Between January and April 2025, an estimated 2.6 million children under five will face acute malnutrition, with one million cases categorised as severe. This represents a 67 per cent increase from the previous year. The crisis is fueled by food insecurity, displacement, soaring food prices, and inadequate access to healthcare — issues that require immediate and sustained attention.

While food and medical resources are critical, communication is equally powerful in combating malnutrition. When effectively employed, communication narrows the information gap, enhances teamwork, and allows communities to engage in active pursuits about nutrition.

Another very important method is using gender-sensitive communication strategies. Mothers are often the primary caregivers, but they face barriers such as time constraints, limited access to services, and some cultural aspects that are already deep-rooted. Similarly, fathers and male caregivers are often excluded from nutrition discussions. It is important to campaign on these gaps by using customised slants that motivate both sexes to make appropriate choices concerning child feeding.

However, urban and semi-urban areas have untapped potential for using digital platforms. Younger caregivers can be particularly reachable through social media campaigns, mobile apps, and text message campaigns. For example, short videos demonstrating nutritious recipes or reminders for vaccinations and checkups can be shared widely at little cost.

Another overlooked avenue is the role of schools in nutrition awareness. Schools are central to most communities and can serve as hubs for promoting healthy practices. Integrating nutrition education into the curriculum or organising events involving students, teachers, and parents can have far-reaching effects.

During crises, real-time communication becomes even more critical. Families dealing with food shortages or displacement need clear, accessible updates about where and how to access nutritional support. This will require organised emergency campaigns across various fronts, such as local radio and community mobilisers, to mention but a few.

Lastly, all audience communication strategies must be flexible and responsive to the evidence. Conducting assessments with relevant academic institutions and NGOs ensures that the messages are well crafted, understood, and accessible to the targeted populations.

Addressing malnutrition in the BAY states will require a multi-pronged approach, with communication at the heart of the response. Equipping communities with information, involving relevant parties, and using unique approaches can help create long-lasting change.

As communicators, policymakers, and development practitioners, we have the responsibility to collaborate and create pathways for change. How can we innovate further to ensure that no child is left behind?

*Oyawoye, a communications and media specialist with over 10 years of field experience works with Aries Concept Nigeria Limited. She is passionate about health communication and runs Health Communication Africa, a platform dedicated to exploring solutions for improving health outcomes across the continent.