Dare Babalola
The United States’ State Department has announced a $5 million contribution to support UNICEF’s humanitarian efforts in North-West Nigeria, aiming to address the acute malnutrition affecting children in the region.
According to a statement from the US Mission to Nigeria on Thursday, the funding will help UNICEF provide crucial nutrition support to around 70,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition in North-West Nigeria.
The aid will cover vital supplies, with UNICEF utilizing it to distribute ready-to-use food, medicine, and other essential humanitarian materials.
It read, “The State Department provided $5m to UNICEF to deliver lifesaving nutrition support to at least 70,000 children with acute malnutrition in Northwest Nigeria.
“These funds will be used by UNICEF to provide ready-to-use food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies.
“This commitment to donate lifesaving assistance affirms US global leadership, strength, and compassion.”
North-West Nigeria is grappling with severe food insecurity and malnutrition, exacerbated by conflict and displacement that hampers access to farmland and essential services.
UNICEF is currently implementing nutrition programmes in the region, supplying ready-to-use therapeutic food and medical aid to treat severely malnourished children.
The US is a key donor supporting UNICEF and other humanitarian agencies in Nigeria, contributing funding to protect vulnerable children in crisis-affected areas.
