In the northeastern Nigerian town of Dikwa, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding as USAID funding cuts have left thousands of children without access to life-saving aid. The cuts, made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have forced organizations like Mercy Corps to end programs that provided critical support to vulnerable populations.
Yagana Bulama cradles her surviving infant twin in Dikwa, Nigeria. Her other twin died two weeks after Mercy Corps ended a program that was entirely financed by USAID. This program had been instrumental in helping non-government organizations provide food, shelter, and healthcare to millions of people.
Impact of Funding Cuts
Mercy Corps’ programs serving children were significantly affected globally. Key statistics include:
- 50% of therapeutic foods for treating malnutrition in children were funded by USAID.
- 40% of the supplies were produced in the U.S.
Shawn Baker, chief program officer at Helen Keller Intl and former chief nutritionist at USAID, noted that the termination of Helen Keller Intl’s programs has affected countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Nigeria. The consequence could be one million children not receiving treatment for severe malnutrition, resulting in an estimated 163,500 additional deaths per year.
Current Situation at UNICEF
At a UNICEF-run therapeutic feeding center near Dikwa, hundreds wait outside each day, hoping to receive assistance. However, there isn’t enough space inside, leading to some patients being sent home early because they aren’t deemed sick enough, while others remain longer than necessary, waiting for beds to become available.
Dr. Aisha Mohammed, who works at UNICEF’s center, stated, "We’re doing our best, but we need more resources." She expressed the heartbreak of seeing children arrive with little hope left. Workers report being overwhelmed with new admissions daily, often arriving too late. They are trying desperately not only to feed these children but also to save lives as death rates soar amid rising numbers of starving infants suffering from various conditions, including:
- Pneumonia
- Malaria
- Diarrhea
- Cholera
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Cerebral edema
- Brain damage
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Shock
- Organ failure
The situation remains dire, highlighting the urgent need for increased support and resources to address the humanitarian crisis in Dikwa and beyond.
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