Maiduguri, Nigeria – Zara Ali, a devoted mother, finds herself grappling with the challenges of her daughter, Amina, who appears to have faced hardships even before birth. Recently, Ali tenderly held her ill toddler outside a government hospital in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeast Nigeria, following yet another doctor’s appointment. The visible signs of malnourishment, particularly Amina’s sparse brownish hair, have underscored the seriousness of her condition, despite ongoing treatment efforts with protein-rich pastes.
Facing the ongoing adversity of seeking medical help, Ali has maneuvered through the instability brought about by the Boko Haram conflict, having to relocate multiple times in pursuit of safety for her family. After being displaced from Damboa, approximately 89 kilometers away, Ali now resides in Maiduguri as an internally displaced person. Unfortunately, the situation has worsened as essential healthcare services have diminished; several aid clinics previously providing free treatment have either reduced operations or closed their facilities entirely.
Amina’s struggles are not unique; approximately five million children across northeast and northwest Nigeria are currently battling malnutrition, amid what experts are labeling as one of the most significant food crises in recent years. The prolonged conflict with Boko Haram in the northeast over the last fifteen years has severely disrupted food supplies. Similarly, bandit activities in the northwest have precipitated a hunger crisis, putting a tremendous strain on state governments striving to tackle these challenges.
This year’s food crisis has been exacerbated by significant funding cuts affecting aid organizations, many of which had previously offered vital food assistance to the 2.3 million displaced individuals in northeast Nigeria. The reduction in support from international partners, particularly the United States, which has considerably decreased contributions to aid programs since February, has made recovery efforts even more critical.
The World Food Programme (WFP), a leading global food assistance agency, has been heavily impacted, shutting down over half of its nutrition clinics across the region. An alarming 300,000 children are currently facing disruptions in accessing necessary nutritional supplements, as reported by Emmanuel Bigenimana, head of WFP’s northeast Nigeria operations. This decline in support is particularly harrowing since the region is entering its lean season, where food scarcity becomes acute.
Despite these challenges, the fertile land in northeast Nigeria holds promise for agricultural resilience. Historically a food basket for the country, the region possesses vast potential for cultivating various crops. Efforts can be strengthened to help communities restore their agricultural productivity and to create long-term solutions that minimize dependency on aid. Significant strides can be taken to reestablish agricultural practices in safer and more secure environments.
The humanitarian landscape is undergoing significant changes, with NGO operations facing severe budget constraints. However, some organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), continue to respond to the malnutrition crisis independently, reporting a surge in admissions for malnourished children demonstrating the pressing need for sustained assistance.
As the rainy season unfolds, the challenges persist, with increasing numbers of children being admitted to MSF’s facilities in Maiduguri. While Zara Ali and others face daily hardships, a collective response that fosters resilience, promotes community empowerment, and supports security enhancement is essential to break this cycle of crisis.
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