Connect with us

News

Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

Published

on

Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

By: Ladi Dapson

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns of alarming rate of acute malnutrition among children due to lack of access for humanitarian workers in Marte local government area of Borno state.

According to the United Nations agency, said protracted conflict has continued to impact on the ability of households to produce food on their farmlands and this has resulted in increased food insecurity.

UNICEF Emergency Manager, Andrea Malatesta stated shortly after field mission to Marte LGA Borno State at weekend.

He said military escorts which could take 3-5 days before its available disrupt planned activities, hinder humanitarian operations, and compromise the safety of residents and personnel in the area

“Children in northeast Nigeria are battling escalating levels of malnutrition and they need immediate, and wholistic response to address this.

“Insecurity remains the number one challenge. Access to New Marte is only possible by road and humanitarian operations rely heavily on military escort to transport personnel, supplies and other critical resources to support the local population affected by conflict.

“Being an area with security concerns, military escorts or safety sweep are required for the safe movement of individuals and goods. However, the availability of such escorts is often inconsistent or unreliable, leading to potential risks and vulnerabilities,”he worried.

Mr Andrea maintained that many households do not always get nutritious food that they need, and many adopt coping strategies like skipping meals.

“With the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), we are making sure that the therapeutic food, supplements and medications that children with SAM need are available.

“As a result, children and pregnant and lactating mothers do not have nutritious food crucial to their survival and development, hence the high cases of MAM and SAM.

“Over 460,000 children were treated for acute malnutrition across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in 2023.

“So far this year, 8,605 children between the ages of 6-59 months have been screened for malnutrition. During these screening exercises, 2,156 malnourished children were identified, admitted into the nutrition programme and they fully recovered. (1,358 severe acute malnutrition, 798 moderate acute malnutrition).” Andrea explained.

He noted that UNICEF and partner, Monclub International is using the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) programme to ensure that no child dies of malnutrition, cholera or water borne diseases in New Marte.

Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara

Published

on

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted on April 25 at about 9:00 p.m. by troops of 1 Brigade in collaboration with hybrid forces deployed at Kulchin Kalgo.

The sources said the troops advanced to Bilbis area following intelligence on the presence of terrorists and made contact with the armed group.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandon three kidnapped victims in the process.

The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the district head of Bilbis for safe custody and further reunification with their families.

The sources added that the troops have continued exploitation of the area to track fleeing suspects, while the general security situation remains under close monitoring.

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara

Continue Reading

News

Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue

Published

on

Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources said that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 10:30 a.m., when troops deployed at Agidi responded to reports of a kidnap incident in Abenga and Mabur communities.

The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the suspected kidnappers, engaging them during the operation.

According to the sources, the troops overpowered the criminals, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of one kidnapped victim.

The sources added that the apprehended suspects and the rescued victim have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and necessary action.

They assured that security forces will continue to intensify operations to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue

Continue Reading

News

Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid

Published

on

Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a raid in Enugu State.

Sources said that the operation was carried out on April 25 at about 6:20 p.m. by troops of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion.

The sources said the joint team conducted the raid at Obinofia Ndiagu village, where one suspected IPOB/ESN operative was apprehended.

According to the sources, three mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.

They added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in the custody of the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.

The sources noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the South-East.

Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights