Malnutrition Cases Rise in Mandera North as Dozens of Children Admitted to Hospital

By Adan Mohamed - Reporter

May 31, 2026 - Cases of malnutrition among children are on the rise in Mandera North, as Rhamu Sub-County Referral Hospital continues to receive an influx of patients, most of them children under the age of three, particularly breastfeeding infants.

The affected children have been admitted to Rhamu Sub-County Referral Hospital, raising concern among health officials and local residents over the growing nutrition crisis in the area.

According to health workers, the hospital has recorded an increase in the number of children seeking treatment for malnutrition, with many arriving in critical condition and requiring urgent medical intervention.

The rise in cases has been linked to food insecurity, recurring drought, poverty, and limited access to nutritious food, factors that continue to affect vulnerable households across the region.

Medical personnel at the facility say children under the age of five remain the most affected, with cases ranging from moderate to severe acute malnutrition.

Cases of malnutrition reported in Mandera North are concentrated in several areas, including Barwaqo, Ola, Degmarer, Rhamu Dimtu, Guticha, Garbab, Saqira and Darbaadhadhi.

Health officials have expressed concern over the increasing number of affected children from these locations, many of whom require urgent medical attention and nutritional support.

Rashid Noor, the Medical Superintendent at Rhamu Sub-County Referral Hospital, emphasised the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent further complications.

Uhuru, IGAD Missions Step Up Election Monitoring Ahead of Ethiopia Polls

ODM Signals Long-Term Stay in Government, Pushes for Greater Political Influence

Dr Noor said that 30 children are currently admitted and receiving treatment at the facility.

Parents and caregivers have also expressed concern over the situation, citing economic hardships and limited resources as major challenges in providing balanced diets for their children.

Chief Officer for Health Mukhtar Isack urged parents and caregivers to seek immediate medical attention whenever they notice signs of malnutrition in their children, including weight loss, weakness, swelling or stunted growth.

He stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, calling on families to visit the nearest health facility as soon as symptoms are detected to prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.

The county government and humanitarian organisations continue to support nutrition programmes aimed at improving child health and reducing malnutrition rates. However, stakeholders say more interventions are needed to address the root causes of malnutrition and strengthen food security in affected communities.

Residents are now calling for closer collaboration between government agencies, development partners and local communities to ensure vulnerable children receive adequate nutrition and healthcare services.

The situation has renewed calls for sustained investment in nutrition, healthcare services and livelihood programmes to protect children from the long-term effects of malnutrition in Mandera North.