Latest news with #BabatundeOjei
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) clinic sees nearly triple rise in malnutrition admissions in northern Nigeria
In-patient admissions at IRC clinics increased sharply: from 241 in March to 672 in May, a 178% rise. Approximately 4.6 million people in the northern BAY states (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe) are projected to experience acute food insecurity between June and September. Over 600,000 children under five are at immediate risk of severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of malnutrition. Children with severe acute malnutrition are 11 times more likely to die than healthy children. The IRC is alarmed by rising numbers of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition admitted to IRC clinics across the northeast and northwest of Nigeria. Malnutrition rates are expected to intensify as the lean season sets in amidst growing insecurity, increased climate shocks like severe flooding, and aid cuts. During the lean season, between harvesting periods, children face a high risk of complications like malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections. Rainfall leads to water contamination and cholera outbreaks, while wet conditions increase mosquito breeding and disease spread. Babatunde Ojei, Country Director, IRC Nigeria, said: 'It's heartbreaking to see the needs of children growing while the support to reach them is shrinking. Rising insecurity and violence is cutting off communities, leaving the most vulnerable, especially children, without the care they desperately need.' Fewer implementing partners are active as donor reluctance, driven by insecurity, limited access, and global aid cuts, continues to restrict funding. While admissions are slightly lower this year compared to last - 763 children were admitted in May 2024 - this reduction in cases reflects reduced access and coverage rather than an improved situation. Activities have been scaled down within community outreach services, limiting screening and resulting in fewer identified cases. The IRC handed over one inpatient treatment site for children with severe acute malnutrition with complications to the government following funding cuts. Aid cuts disproportionately impact countries caught at the intersection of conflict and climate crises. Increasingly frequent seasonal flooding is expected to worsen the already critical crisis of severe acute malnutrition in children by destroying food stocks, disrupting agricultural activities, and displacing families: all leading to heightened food insecurity and more cases of acute malnutrition. Last year's devastating floods triggered a sharp rise in malnutrition, with adult malnutrition also emerging as a serious concern, including widespread cases of stomach ulcers linked to hunger. In Nigeria, the IRC is tackling acute malnutrition with teams working across 7 hospitals and 65 community facilities. In 2024, more than 133,000 children under the age of 5 received treatment for acute malnutrition from our teams. The IRC is leading innovation on simplified approaches to treating acute malnutrition, and ensuring more children receive life-saving treatment with the same resources. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .
Zawya
25-03-2025
- General
- Zawya
Fire devastates displacement camp in northeast Nigeria, leaving over 12,500 people in dire need of urgent humanitarian assistance, International Rescue Committee (IRC) warns
A devastating fire at the Bri-Mashamari camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Konduga, northeast Nigeria, has claimed the lives of three children and left thousands in urgent need of assistance. The International Rescue Committee (IRC), which runs facilities at the camp, is urgently calling on partners to come together and provide immediate relief and long-term recovery support for those affected. The fire, which broke out on Monday afternoon, rapidly spread through the camp, destroying shelters and essential facilities. An estimated 12,600 individuals—75% of the camp's population—have been affected. The IRC is conducting a rapid needs assessment to determine the full scale of damage and identify immediate needs. Babatunde Ojei, IRC's Country Director for Nigeria, said,: 'The loss of homes and essential services is devastating, especially for a population that has already been displaced and facing the trauma of losing their homes and livelihoods, coupled with limited access to services. IRC's Child Protection Safe Space, which was a lifeline for vulnerable children, providing psychosocial support, recreational activities, and protection services, has also been destroyed. 'The IRC is committed to working alongside government authorities, donors, and humanitarian partners to provide life-saving support and long-term recovery assistance. We must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, especially children, women and people with specific needs to safeguard their rights and provide them with the care and support they need to recover and thrive, and to protect them from further harm.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .
