Assessment of childhood nutritional status: findings from a Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Adeola Alabi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Yinyinade Ijadunola, Obafemi Awolowo University
Olatunji Alabi, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
Adedeji Onayade, Obafemi Awolowo University

Malnutrition remains one of the highest causes of under-five mortality in Nigeria in genera and northern Nigeria in particular. Despite the magnitude of the problem, it has received little or no attention. This may be due to lack of data on the prevalence of malnutrition in the northern part of Nigeria. The study assesses the prevalence of malnutrition in northern Nigeria using under-five children (0-59months) in Nahuche Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in Zamfara State of northwest Nigeria. Population of under-five children in the surveillance area was 11,436 out of which 404 were systematically selected. Preliminary results show that seven in ten of the under-five children were stunted while, fifteen percent were wasted. Almost two in five of the under-five children were underweight. We discuss the results and recommended an urgent nutrition intervention if the Millennium Development Goal 4 is to be achieved before the deadline.