The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says it is taking steps along with other partners to rescue an estimated 1.5m children that are currently at risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition following devastating floods being experienced in the country.
It said, out of the 36 States of the federation, 34 were reported to have experienced flooding thus, putting 2.5m people in need of humanitarian assistance.
In a statement distributed by Geoffrey Njoku, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria, it said, the floods have displaced 1.3m people and claimed the lives of over 600 people while over 200 houses have either been partially or fully damaged.
According to Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, “Children and adolescents in flood-affected areas are in an extremely vulnerable situation”.
He said also stated, “They are particularly at risk of water-borne diseases, 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 release also stated, ” The floods are adding another layer of complexity to an already precious humanitarian situation in the country, adding that immediate priority needs for children include health, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as shelter and food.
It said 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.
According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), Nigeria is considered as ‘an extremely high risk of the impacts of climate change, ranking second out of 163 countries.
UNICEF also said it has supported the government response in Jigawa, Niger and the Kaduna States including the provision of cash assistance, distribution of cholera kits, Government led mobile health teams, temporary learning centres, learning kits and cholera kits.
It assured that with additional support, UNICEF can scale up its response in other states to provide life-saving medical equipment and essential medicines, chlorination of water and sanitation supplies as well as support the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence.
“As the rains are expected to continue for weeks, humanitarian needs are also expected to rise”, the release warned.
