The United Nations has reported a disturbing surge in malnutrition cases among children in Nigeria's North-East region, with numbers doubling from 500,000 to 1 million in just one year. This alarming increase has been attributed to significant funding cuts from international donors, particularly the United States.

Mr. Trond Jensen, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) in Nigeria, revealed this during a meeting with Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni. The meeting focused on addressing funding challenges and exploring potential solutions to the growing humanitarian crisis.

"We are facing a profound crisis; 60 percent of the funding that was provided for humanitarian purposes here in Nigeria came from the US, and that unfortunately is now history," Jensen explained.

Widespread Donor Reductions

The funding crisis extends beyond US cuts, with Jensen noting that other major donors have also significantly reduced their support. "What we have also seen is that many of our other supporters such as the UK have reduced their support by 40 percent, Netherlands 50 percent, same with the Germans," he stated.

These reductions have severely impacted the UN's capacity to address malnutrition in the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states, with operational capabilities reportedly halved due to the funding shortfall.

Call for Collaborative Action

Jensen emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated response involving multiple stakeholders. "That underlines the need for government, the international community, local partners, and civil society organizations to work ever closer to resolve some of these issues," he appealed.

The meeting with Governor Buni represents part of UN-OCHA's efforts to engage with state governments in the affected region to develop sustainable solutions to the humanitarian challenges.

The North-East region of Nigeria has long faced humanitarian challenges due to ongoing insecurity and displacement, with children being particularly vulnerable to the resulting food insecurity and limited access to healthcare services.

As international funding continues to decline, there are growing concerns about the long-term impact on humanitarian operations in the region and the welfare of affected populations, especially children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.