The United States Government has committed $32.5m to the United Nations World Food Programme to support food and nutrition assistance for hundreds of thousands of people affected by conflict in Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the US Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, the funding will enable WFP Nigeria to reach approximately 764,205 vulnerable individuals in the North-East and North-West regions of the country.
These areas have been severely impacted by ongoing insecurity and displacement, with millions struggling to access basic necessities.
The WFP had in August raised the alarm over shortage of funds, announcing the closure of more than 150 nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states.
According to the humanitarian organisation, children will be among the worst affected if vital aid ends, and more than 150 WFP-supported nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states will close.
“Without immediate funding, millions of vulnerable people will face impossible choices: endure increasingly severe hunger, migrate, or possibly risk exploitation by extremist groups in the region,” the UN body stated.
The $32.5m released by the US, therefore, brings relief with the assistance package containing general food distributions as well as targeted nutritional support.
Among the beneficiaries are 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls, and 43,235 children who will receive specialised nutrition support through electronic food vouchers, according to the statement.
“World Food Programme Nigeria, with US Government’s contribution of $32.5m, will provide food assistance and nutrition support to Internally Displaced Persons across conflict-affected areas.
“With the US Government’s donation, the World Food Programme Nigeria will provide food and nutrition assistance to 764,205 beneficiaries across North-East and North-West Nigeria.
“This includes complementary nutrition top-ups for 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls and 43,235 children through electronic food vouchers,” the statement read.
