The United States government has announced a commitment to a $32.5m donation to the United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) emergency food and nutrition assistance in Nigeria.
The U.S. said the $32.5m donation is part of efforts to support Nigeria in battling rising levels of food insecurity, as over 31 million people are reportedly grappling with hunger.
It was gathered that the donation targets the affected regions like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, where 4.8 million people are reportedly facing food shortages, exacerbated by ongoing conflict with groups like Boko Haram, economic instability, and climate shocks such as devastating floods.
Also, the funds are said to enable WFP to deliver food rations, nutritional supplements, and support for over 1.3 million people, including 300,000 children at risk of malnutrition.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.
“With this contribution, WFP Nigeria will provide food and nutrition assistance to 764,205 beneficiaries across conflict-affected areas, including complementary nutrition top-ups for 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls, and 43,235 children through electronic food vouchers,” the statement read.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this comes after the U.S. in August announced a $93 million emergency food assistance programme for 13 nations, including 12 in Africa, to address worsening hunger and malnutrition.
The U.S. Department of State said the programme will provide ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for nearly one million children suffering from severe malnutrition.
According to the U.S. government, some of the benefiting countries are Haiti, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Kenya, and Chad.
In a press briefing, the principal deputy spokesperson for the US State Department said the aid will also cover essential food commodities, targeted nutritional support, and emergency logistics.
“Today marks the first 200 days of the Trump Administration, and with it 200 days of delivering results and real wins for the American people. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the United States is restoring strength, securing prosperity, and standing up for American interests on the world stage,” Pigott said.
Recall also that development came after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
