A Five-Year Trend Analysis of Wasting, Stunting, and Micronutrient Deficiencies among Under-five Children in Far North Cameroon (2020–2025)

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition remains a major concern among children under five in Cameroon's Far North, where climatic shocks, insecurity, disease outbreaks, food insecurity, and constrained humanitarian resources affect nutrition conditions. Aims: This study analysed recent trends in child malnutrition and nutrition interventions in the region. Methodology: This analysis is based on quantitative and qualitative data from DHIS2, the preventive activities database, Nutrition Programme annual reports, SMART survey reports, and other sectoral sources from the past five years. However, limitations in data availability and quality persist. Analysis: According to SMART survey results from 2019, 2021, and 2022, the prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition was 5.2%, 5.9%, and 8.0%, respectively. Chronic malnutrition rates remained highly concerning, at 36.4% in 2021 and 35.5% in 2022. These rates were particularly high among internally displaced persons (49.2%) and refugees in the Minawao camp (44.1%). For micronutrient interventions, frequency and geographical coverage fluctuated from year to year according to the availability of financial resources, reducing effectiveness. Regarding coordination, an institutional framework exists but faces challenges related to dependence on partners. Overall, despite some progress, significant gaps remain between actual outcomes and expected targets. Conclusion: This objective is to be achieved through accelerated high-impact interventions, improved coverage, more predictable funding, strengthened multisectoral coordination, and a monitoring and evaluation system capable of generating regular, reliable, and disaggregated data to guide decision-making.