Hope in a Box
A small box making a big impact on the well-being of Children in Conflict Zones
Adamu Abubakar, an 18-month-old boy, joyfully played on a carton of hygiene kits at the Pulka Primary Healthcare Centre on a bright February afternoon, marking the day of discharge for him and his mother, Hauwa Abubakar. The duo was about to leave the Pulka Primary Healthcare Centre in Pulka after Adamu recovered from acute malnutrition, a common issue in their community in northeast Nigeria, affected by armed conflict.
Hauwa, a mother of seven, observed her youngest child's playful antics, reflecting on the challenges they had faced as Adamu was the second child to suffer from malnutrition within a short span of eight months. This moment was bittersweet for her.
"He couldn't even muster a smile during his illness. I'm glad that he has recovered within just four weeks of being admitted to this centre. Through this experience, I've learned valuable lessons on personal hygiene and the importance of handwashing with soap. I have also been provided with information on how to keep food and the environment happy. With this knowledge, I am confident that none of my children will ever suffer from malnutrition again."
While the mother was talking, Adamu descended from the hygiene kits and started running around the clinic. Hauwa beams with joy as she watches her son play around the health center.
Children in northeast Nigeria are facing a dire situation as they grapple with the devastating effects of conflict, displacement, hunger, and protection issues, leading to a concerning rise in acute malnutrition cases. In 2023, they recorded their highest ever admission of children with [acute malnutrition.
Official data reveals that 463,123 children were admitted due to acute malnutrition, marking a substantial increase from the 337,216 admissions in 2022 across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. This surge represents a staggering 37 percent rise within a single year.
FCDO is supporting UNICEF in providing hygiene kits to mothers and babies as they are discharged from outpatient therapeutic care nutrition programmes. This support includes nutrition treatment, medications, and therapeutic milk to aid in the recovery of children with acute malnutrition. Through the Multisectoral Integrated Nutrition Action for Children in Northeast Nigeria (MINA) program, funded by FCDO, UNICEF has treated over 450,000 children and is also distributing hygiene kits to caregivers to ensure personal and environmental hygiene for children recovering from malnutrition. The kits contain items like kettles, storage materials, soap, and detergent.
