By Erewunmi Peace

The United States government has announced a $5 million (₦7.4 billion) donation to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support emergency nutrition interventions for vulnerable children in Nigeria.

According to a statement from the U.S. Mission, the funds will assist at least 70,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition across north-west Nigeria, where conflict, insecurity and rising food prices have worsened hunger levels.

UNICEF will channel the support into the provision of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), essential medicines, and other lifesaving supplies for affected communities. The organization will also work with local health facilities to strengthen community-based management of malnutrition.

The U.S. Mission described the intervention as part of its ongoing humanitarian partnership with Nigeria, noting that malnutrition remains one of the leading causes of child mortality in the country.

Nigeria has recorded a sharp rise in the number of children facing severe acute malnutrition, particularly in the north-west and north-east regions. Humanitarian agencies warn that without urgent support, thousands of children could face life-threatening conditions in the coming months.

The $5 million contribution adds to ongoing U.S. assistance aimed at improving health, nutrition, and food security across Nigeria.