652 Children Dead from Malnutrition in Nigeria’s Katsina State Amid Foreign Aid Cuts, MSF

In a grim humanitarian update, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) reported that at least 652 children have died from severe malnutrition in Nigeria’s Katsina State in the first six months of 2025.

The organization attributes the surge in deaths to massive funding cuts by international donors — including the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union — which have drastically reduced support for malnutrition treatment programs.

“We are currently witnessing massive budget cuts… which are having real impact on the treatment of malnourished children,” MSF said in a statement.

MSF also reported that cases of severe acute malnutrition in Katsina have risen by 208% compared to the same period last year. Despite Nigerian government efforts — including a 200 billion naira ($130 million) emergency health budget — the crisis deepens, especially in conflict-hit northern regions.

Compounding the tragedy is widespread insecurity in Katsina due to banditry and insurgent violence, which has displaced thousands and disrupted agriculture — pushing more families into hunger.

The UN World Food Programme has warned it will suspend aid to 1.3 million people in Nigeria’s northeast by the end of July due to depleted food stocks.