The United Nations Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Peter Lundberg has said that millions of people in the northeast are battling health problems.
He equally stated that the living condition of many increased the risk of some diseases like meningitis and cholera. Mr. Lundberg, who was speaking to journalists in Maiduguri over the weekend also said that as a result of this, the United Nations had treated nearly two million people for various health issues and rehabilitated over 60 health facilities that were destroyed by Boko Haram.
Speaking on the response to humanitarian needs of millions of people across the northeast, Lundberg said it was the focus and priority of the United Nations.
According to him, the facts remained that the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s northeast and the lake Chad region, which is in its eight (8) year, is one of the most severe in the world today.
“8.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance this year 2017 in the worst affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. And 6.9 million are earlier targeted for humanitarian assistance in these three states.
“Civilians have continued to bear the brunt of this conflict that has resulted in widespread forced displacement, with more than 1.8 million as internally displaced. Again, with gross violations of international humanitarian and human right law, severe protection concerns and a food and nutrition crises of massive proportions.
“The United Nations’ agencies and over 60 non governmental organisations are working to provide much needed food, shelter, safe water, latrines and medicine to millions of people in need across the northeast -eople who have fled conflict, people who have lost everything , people who have endure tremendous loss, pain and suffering and yet stand tall.
“I am constantly struck, whenever I travel to remote locations in the northeast or visit IDPs here in Maiduguri or Damaturu, by families displaying incredible strength and resourcefulness,” Mr. Lundberg said.
He observed that food security situation was one of the major issues.
“This means that hundreds and thousands of people do not have enough to eat, as a result of the lean season and compounded by insecurity which means people cannot farm like they used to before.
“The UN is currently providing food to about 2 million people every month, and also seeds, tools and fertilizers to about 1.2 million people every month,” he added
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