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Abuja, 15 May 2022 —  The ̽����ѡ has implemented health, nutrition, and protection programming in northeast Nigeria, aiming to improve access to informed and quality health, nutrition and WASH services, creating a safe and protective environment for affected host communities, IDPs and returnees. Through funding from the European Union (EU), the ̽����ѡ has specifically addressed the most urgent needs of most at-risk population groups, such as women, children, and people with disabilities. The EU has supported all services provided by the ̽����ѡ with a total contribution of 1.3 million euros.

Political tensions have caused many Nigerians in the Northeast to flee or be displaced. In the Northeast alone, over 2 million people are displaced, with ongoing conflict leading to the destruction of 66% of the health facilities in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Currently about 10.6 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, with an estimated 3.8 million facing food insecurity. Many families who have been uprooted struggle to access enough food and clean water, and the need for shelter, education and healthcare is staggering. 

The ̽����ѡ first began working in Nigeria in 2012, and has since established a stable presence in the country. Current humanitarian efforts focus on the Northeast of the country, including the introduction of several rural health clinics, nutrition centers, and safe spaces for women and children in 2019. 

Through funding from the EU, the ̽����ѡ is able to run integrated programming – combining health, nutrition, WASH and protection programming into one complete package. Through this program, the ̽����ѡ has reached a total of 100,132 individuals, of which 64,772 are women and girls and 37,403 are children and adolescents. Services provided include the implementation of mobile clinics in order to identify primary, sexual, maternal, and reproductive health needs – especially of those with disabilities – and the distribution of dignity kits, WASH kits, as well as the supply of nutrition packs for children.

Babatunde Anthony Ojei, Country Director of ̽����ѡ Nigeria, said:

“With ongoing conflict and COVID-19 exacerbating the economic situation in Nigeria – contributing to the loss of livelihoods for millions, and plunging even more into a hunger crisis – it is more than ever crucial that organizations such as the ̽����ѡ are the forefront of working with relevant authorities to ensure families, women, and children have continued access to healthcare and support. Funding from the European Union has allowed us to run innovative programs that reach those most in need – providing our clients a holistic range of services, and ensuring that families and individuals who have been affected always have a safe place to seek support.”