IFRC raise alarm over high risk of hunger

Asks govt to invest more on healthcare

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), on Monday, raised alarm that over 25 millions population of Nigerians at risk of severe hunger, malnutrition across the country.

Its also said that governments should focus on investmenting in the healthcare and food workers to tackle the worsening malnutrition and hunger.

The Head Of Delegation, IFRC, Abuja Country Cluster, Mr. Bhupinder Tomar, disclosed this in Abuja, at the ‘Nigeria Hunget Crisis Media Café’ organized by the Nigerian Red Gross with support from the IFRC, explained that the event is to pass the message on to the general public to fully participate and support the Red Cross society to its interventions objective.

He noted that many people’s are already at risk of going hungry mainly due to the ongoing insecurity, protracted conflicts, and the projected rise in food prices.

He said: “The number of hunger has been increasing, from over 10 millions in 2021 and 18 millions in 2022 to 25 millions in 2023. So, you can see the increase strength.

“We are glad that the government of Nigeria has recognised the crisis and the president has declared a state of emergency.”

In his remarks, the President, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemjsi Aeaga, noted that the Red Cross is committed to ensuring that communities get accurate information that inproves their lives.

Aeaga said: “An estimated 828 million people, about 10% of the global population go to bed hungry every day. In Nigeria, about 25 million are at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition, many of them women and children.

“Issues like the banditry, rising worsening econormic conditions, the Russia/Ukraine crisis and lack of access to farms in parts of Nigeria have all combined to make many Nigerjans poorer and made access to food harder than usual.

“Like all great nations, we must prioritize the food needs of our citizens. It is not just a matter of dignity, but a matte of urgent national security. The rising numnber of people who are food insecure in a threat to Nigeria’s peace and stability and we call on all well-meaning people and organizations to join the efforts of the Nigerian Red Cross to bring relief to some of the most vulnerable members of our society who now face the human indignity of not knowing where their next meal ill come from.

“We at the Nigerian Red Cross remain undaunted and will continue to ensure that we alleviate human suffering in our country. That is our unendirg core mandate. Our scaled-up Emergency Hunger Appeal will reach over one million people with cash assistance that will allow them to support their household needs, will provide cash support to pregnant and lactating mothers to prevent infant malnutrition and provide support to over 200 Mothers Clubs to help women learn about best nutritional practices and acquire valuable trade skills.”