By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAFA, Borno State – In a remarkable demonstration of humanitarian aid, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stepped forward to alleviate the suffering of 14,000 children battling acute malnutrition in Mafa, a local government area within Borno State. 

Nura Shehu, the Nutrition Assessment Officer for Borno and Yobe states, disclosed these staggering figures during a press briefing held at the Government Girls Arabic Secondary School (GGASS) IDP camp, situated in the Mafa local government headquarters. 

Shehu emphasized the pivotal role played by UNICEF’s Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) in delivering life-saving assistance to address the immediate needs of vulnerable populations, especially women and children, within the region.

“UNICEF’s intervention has been instrumental in bringing much-needed relief to the affected children,” Shehu stated, highlighting the severity of the situation. 

“Out of the 14,000 cases of acute malnutrition, 5,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, while the remaining 9,000 are grappling with moderate acute malnutrition. Our efforts have been directed towards providing succor to these vulnerable children.”

Shehu further elaborated on the specific measures undertaken by UNICEF under the RRM framework. Children between the ages of 6 and 59 months, who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition but without complications, are being admitted to the camp’s healthcare facility for treatment. 

Meanwhile, those with severe acute malnutrition and accompanying complications are receiving specialized care at healthcare facilities located outside the camp.

UNICEF’s dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in Borno State is evident through its swift response and comprehensive interventions.

By addressing both nutrition and water-related challenges, UNICEF is playing a crucial role in alleviating the suffering caused by acute malnutrition and creating a brighter future for the children of Mafa.