The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, has urged the international community to maintain its support for ongoing humanitarian efforts in northeastern Nigeria. 

According to Daily Post, Schmale made these remarks in response to inquiries from the UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria in New York during a press conference on the humanitarian situation in Nigeria.

Schmale highlighted the critical need for sustained funding to address the dire humanitarian situation in northeastern Nigeria, where over 700,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing vulnerable girls and women while adapting to funding trends.

“We’re trying to make sure that 700,000 malnourished children, severely malnourished kids get the food they need and the protection they need,” Schmale stated.

Schmale’s remarks come as the UN prepares to launch its Humanitarian Response Plan 2024, which will outline strategies to address the humanitarian crisis and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in northeastern Nigeria.

Schmale had recently visited Washington, DC, where he discussed humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding challenges with US officials, legislators, and civil society representatives. He emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation to address the complex humanitarian situation in Nigeria.

“The large-scale humanitarian and protection crisis shows no sign of abating,” Schmale noted. “The situation is dire, and we need all hands on deck to address it.”