Nigeria: UN raises concern over poor malnutrition in North-East

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The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is worried over serious malnutrition crisis in Nigeria’s North-East.

Indeed, approximately 230,000, about a quarter of a million children, are said to be at risk of severe acute malnutrition during the current lean season across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

OCHA insisted there is urgent need for immediate funding to facilitate early action and an effective response to this worsening crisis.

Consequent upon the dire situation, Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths allocated $11 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to provide cash assistance and other critical support, including treatment for acutely malnourished children, to the most vulnerable households.

It is projected that an additional $11 million needs to be contributed by the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund.

Only this year, North-East Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in severe acute malnutrition, with admissions to stabilization centres surpassing 2023 levels by over 50 per cent—the highest on record.

The surge has depleted existing supplies, and the lack of resources threatens the closure of many stabilization centres.

According to the organisation, ”While the new allocations from CERF and the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund will provide short-term relief, substantial additional funding is urgently needed to sustain response efforts through September, when the lean season ends.

”The 2024 humanitarian appeal for Nigeria remains critically underfunded.

”Nearly halfway through the year, the response plan has received just over 20 per cent of the required funds, amounting to roughly $190 million out of the nearly $927 million needed.

”Without significant and timely contributions, the lives of countless children and vulnerable families in north-east Nigeria hang in the balance.”

OCHA asked the international community to step up and provide the necessary resources to combat this escalating humanitarian crisis.

The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), recently committed approximately $176 million in additional humanitarian aid to Nigeria, Mali, and other countries in West Africa.

A statement by USAID said the funding aims to address the severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by conflict, food insecurity, and displacement in the region.

“The funds will be disbursed through the United Nations and various partners, including the UN World Food Program, UNICEF, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,” USAID stated.