In northern Nigeria, a huge number of children are suffering from severe malnutrition, which is the worst it’s ever been, say aid workers. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports that their clinics are overwhelmed, with children even being treated on makeshift beds due to a massive increase in cases.

Dr. Simba Tirima from MSF Nigeria says they’ve seen a drastic rise in sick children needing help, many with serious conditions like tuberculosis and severe diarrhea that stunt their growth.

The main reasons for this crisis are clear: Nigeria has more hungry people than anywhere else in the world, worsened by food prices going up by almost 30%. Violence and crime have also made it dangerous for farmers to work, leaving fields empty and food supplies low.

Insecure conditions, especially in the north-east where groups like Boko Haram cause chaos, have forced millions of people to leave their homes, making it hard for them to find food and medicine.

The Nigerian government is trying to help by releasing emergency food supplies and promoting farming. But aid groups warn that millions of people could still go hungry, especially as the months get leaner from June to September.

The World Food Programme predicts that up to 26.5 million Nigerians might not have enough to eat by the end of this year. They’re asking for quick help from other countries to stop a big disaster, especially for kids who are suffering the most.

Dr. Tirima says it’s urgent and that they need more help fast. He worries that without more support, many children could die from not having enough to eat, which he says could be prevented.

Re-reported from the article originally published in THE GUARDIAN.