In a bid to tackle the severe malnutrition crisis in northeastern Nigeria, the European Union (EU) has allocated €100,000 (approximately N171 million) in humanitarian assistance. This funding aims to support 160,000 individuals in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, with a focus on malnourished children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
“The European Union is committed to providing humanitarian aid to those most in need,” said a spokesperson for the EU. “This funding will help reduce malnutrition and provide emergency assistance to vulnerable populations in northeast Nigeria.”
The Nigerian Red Cross will implement the EU-funded project, providing cash grants to mothers and caregivers of malnourished children, as well as organizing community workshops on nutrition and feeding practices. Additionally, water purification tablets will be distributed, and hygiene campaigns will be conducted to prevent diarrheal diseases.
“The severe malnutrition crisis in northeast Nigeria has been exacerbated by ongoing conflict, displacement, and limited access to essential services,” said a representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). “This funding is crucial in helping us respond to the needs of the most vulnerable populations.”
The EU’s contribution is part of its overall support to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the IFRC, which aims to provide rapid and flexible funding for small-scale disasters.
“Humanitarian aid is an expression of European solidarity towards people in need around the world,” said the EU spokesperson. “We are committed to saving lives, preventing and alleviating human suffering, and safeguarding the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by crises.”