The United Nations Children Funds has said that out of the over 2.5 million people in Nigeria presently in need of humanitarian assistance, more than 1.5 million, representing 60 per cent are children – and are at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition due to the most severe flooding in the past decade.
The floods which have ravaged no fewer than 34 out of the 36 states in the country, have 1.3 million people displaced. Over 600 people have lost their lives and over 200,000 houses have either been partially or fully damaged. Cases of diarrhea and water-borne diseases, respiratory infection, and skin diseases have already been on the rise.
The data is contained in a press release made available to newsmen by UNICEF Communication Specialists, Geoffrey Njoku on Friday.
Njoku further disclosed in the statement that in the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe alone, a total of 7,485 cases of cholera and 319 associated deaths were reported as of 12 October. He also added that with the expected continual rain for more weeks, humanitarian needs are also expected to rise.
“Children and adolescents in flood-affected areas are in an extremely vulnerable situation.
“They are particularly at risk of waterborne diseases and emotional and psychological distress. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and other partners to provide life-saving assistance to those who are most in need.
“The floods are adding another layer of complexity to an already precarious humanitarian situation in the country. Immediate priority needs for children include health, water, sanitation, and hygiene; as well as shelter and food. Additional funding and resources are required to respond to growing needs and to sustain ongoing humanitarian interventions, with a focus on the most vulnerable, including children with disabilities,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.
