The World Food Programme (WFP) has said that nine million children are at risk of acute malnutrition in Nigeria.
A statement by the Programme in Abuja on Monday said “malnutrition is rising, with nine million children at risk of acute malnutrition in the country. The number of children admitted for severe and moderate acute malnutrition has risen by 40 and 70 percent compared to 2023.”
The statement further said “WFP is on the ground, supporting government-led efforts responding to the most urgent needs, and doing all it can. So far this year, WFP has assisted 1.6 million people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, distributing 32,000 mt of food and US$ 40 million in cash entitlements.
“But the scale of the crisis calls for a response that goes beyond these badly-needed humanitarian interventions”, adding that “WFP needs US$228 million to stave off catastrophe in northeast Nigeria and meet the food and nutrition needs of 1.6 million over the next six months.
“Amidst rising food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director, Cindy McCain, urges public and private sector leaders to work together to tackle the root causes of hunger and build peace in Nigeria, as she concludes a visit to the country.
“Despite its huge agricultural potential, Nigeria is now in the grips a widespread humanitarian crisis driven by poverty, recurring conflicts, and climate shocks – with 32 million people struggling to feed themselves.
“During her five-day visit to Nigeria, the Executive Director witnessed firsthand how conflict, climate shocks, and high food and fuel prices are driving millions into acute hunger and malnutrition,” the statement added.
It quoted the Director to have said: “What I have seen and heard during my visit to Damasak, in Borno State, is deeply disturbing.
“An urgent humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northern Nigeria, as the number of children with acute malnutrition soars and the ongoing conflict prevents millions from returning to their homes and lands.
“People there desperately need peace and stability, so farming and food production can restart and this hunger crisis can be halted in its tracks.”
The WFP in the statement also noted that the prolonged humanitarian crisis – worsened by an economic slowdown, high inflation, rising food prices, and the recent floods – is endangering the lives of children, pregnant women and girls, and entire communities.
Over 3.6 million people in North Eastern and North Western States have been forcibly displaced by conflict and are not able to access their farmlands or engage in other economic activities, the WFP said.
“With devastating flooding hitting Maiduguri in September – described as the worst in 30 years – more than 400,000 people have also been temporarily displaced in and around the city,” the Programme stated.
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.