Nigerian Red Cross launches N2.5bn emergency appeal to combat hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria

The Nigerian Red Cross has launched an emergency N2.5bn appeal to address hunger and improve WASH services across Nigeria.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Red Cross Society, with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has launched an N2.5bn emergency appeal.

The funds will help improve livelihoods, health, nutrition, and WASH services across Nigeria for the next 18 months. This initiative addresses food insecurity and malnutrition affecting millions due to conflict and economic instability.

Also read: ‘FG lied’ Ogun refugees still in Benin Republic, Red Cross says

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), with backing from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has initiated an emergency appeal to raise N2.5bn.

This appeal aims to assist Nigeria’s most vulnerable individuals over the next 18 months. The funding will focus on enhancing livelihoods, providing healthcare, improving nutrition, and upgrading Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in regions hit hardest by economic instability and conflict.

The NRCS highlighted the urgency of the appeal in a statement on Monday, signed by the NRCS Coordinator of Communications and Advocacy, Chima Nwankwo.

It warned that without emergency action, over 31.5 million Nigerians may face severe food insecurity between January and October 2024, due to the compounded effects of inflation, conflict, and economic challenges.

Increased food prices are exacerbating the issue, with research predicting that staple foods like grains will triple in price by October 2024.

Furthermore, the Famine Early Warning System has reported a 70 per cent increase in cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition among children since September 2023.

These findings highlight the dire need for additional support from partners, organisations, and individuals.

To further support this cause, the NRCS will host its inaugural Annual Fundraising Gala Night in Lagos under the theme, “Keeping Humanity Alive.”

According to NRCS President Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, the event will unite leaders and influencers from different sectors to raise essential funds for hunger relief efforts and WASH programmes.

The money raised will go directly towards mitigating hunger and enhancing water and sanitation conditions in vulnerable communities.

Source: Read more at channelstv.com

Quadri Olaitan