By Gideon Alfa
The European Union has committed over N171 million (€100,000) in humanitarian aid to fight the severe malnutrition crisis gripping northeastern Nigeria.
A statement released by its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria said this funding is vital to benefit 160,000 vulnerable individuals across the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe respectively.
It noted that the contribution will empower the Nigerian Red Cross in their resolve to deliver life-saving support, targeting malnourished children and pregnant or lactating women.
The statement revealed that this funding would allow the distribution of cash grants to mothers and caregivers to meet essential dietary needs and conduct community workshops on nutrition and feeding practices.
And also distribute water purification tablets for hygiene practices to prevent diarrheal diseases in the state.
This funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
In northeast Nigeria, the severe malnutrition crisis has been exacerbated by ongoing conflict, displacement, and limited access to essential services. Most cases are coming from hard-to-reach locations and children under 5 are particularly vulnerable.
