AFRICA/NIGERIA - Acute malnutrition for 240,000 children for the humanitarian crisis caused by Boko Haram

Wednesday, 20 July 2016 malnutrition  

European Commission DG ECHO

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Because of the worsening of the humanitarian situation, due to the conflict with Boko Haram, over 240,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition in addition to a high risk of death in Borno State, northeast of Nigeria. According to estimates of the United Nations Children's Agency, out of 244,000 affected children, almost 50 thousand could die if they do not receive timely assistance. "On average, 134 children die a day from causes related with acute malnutrition" said the UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa in a press release sent to Fides.
The food crisis in the region becomes more and more evident as troops of the multinational force are regaining control of territories held by Boko Haram and become more accessible to humanitarian aid. Places that are now possible to enter have a bleak picture: completely destroyed cities which host displaced people with no adequate sanitation, water or food. Humanitarian organizations unfortunately do not have access to almost two million people living in unsafe areas. In the seven years of the conflict, Boko Haram has killed more than 12,000 people, according to government estimates, although other sources believe the figure is more than double, and has forced over 2.5 million people to flee their homes. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 20/07/2016)


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