Children battling escalating malnutrition in North-East – UNICEF
Source: Franktalknow
Incident Overview:
- UNICEF raises concerns over acute malnutrition among children in Marte LGA, Borno State
- Prolonged conflict impacts food production, leading to increased food insecurity
- Insecurity hinders access for humanitarian workers, relying on military escorts for safe transport
- Many households lack access to nutritious food, resorting to coping strategies like skipping meals
- FCDO support ensures availability of therapeutic food, supplements, and medications for children with SAM
- Over 460,000 children treated for acute malnutrition in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in 2023
- 8,605 children screened for malnutrition this year, with 2,156 identified and treated (1,358 SAM, 798 MAM)
- UNICEF and partner using Rapid Response Mechanism to prevent child deaths from malnutrition, cholera, and waterborne diseases in New Marte
Conclusion:
The situation of acute malnutrition among children in Marte LGA, Borno State is a pressing humanitarian concern exacerbated by the impact of prolonged conflict on food production and insecurity. The challenges of limited access for humanitarian workers and reliance on military escorts for safe transport further compound the crisis. Efforts by UNICEF, supported by the FCDO, have been crucial in providing therapeutic food and treatment for malnourished children, but the need for sustained and comprehensive interventions remains high. The collaborative efforts to address the malnutrition crisis in the region underscore the importance of urgent and holistic responses to ensure the well-being and survival of vulnerable children in northeast Nigeria.
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