The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Nigeria has provided vital nutrition assistance to 2,848 pregnant and breastfeeding women in 2024, made possible through a donation of over US$200,000 from the Government of Japan.
In a statement on Tuesday, WFP highlighted that ongoing conflict in northeast Nigeria continues to disproportionately affect women, exacerbating malnutrition risks among pregnant women due to displacement, poor healthcare access, and food insecurity. The agency stressed that targeted nutrition interventions remain “not just essential – but lifesaving.”
According to WFP Nigeria’s Head of Communications, Chi Lael, the contribution from Japan facilitated the distribution of fortified foods and the delivery of community-based nutrition education to affected populations during a period of record hunger in the region.
“This partnership represents a renewed sense of hope for women striving to survive amidst adversity,” she said, noting that at least five million people in the northeast currently face extreme hunger, with women and girls being the most vulnerable.
Despite worsening security challenges and funding shortfalls, WFP reaffirmed its commitment to remain operational in the region, working to save lives, deliver hope, and improve livelihoods.
