Save the Children Launches Emergency Cash Assistance in Borno Flood Crisis
Writing by Olorunyomi Adetinuyo
As ongoing humanitarian aid intensified in Borno State due to devastating floods which has affected families, Save the Children says their top priority in the coming weeks will be supporting children who have been separated from their families.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, SCI Country Director Duncan Harvey, said the organization’s child protection team is working tirelessly to provide appropriate care and, where possible, reunite these vulnerable children with their loved ones.
Harvey, who decried the level of damage caused by the flood in Maiduguri, described the conditions in the camps as shocking, citing overcrowding, muddy terrain, and a severe lack of essential resources. “The situation is dire, with overcrowded latrines and many resorting to open defecation, creating a real risk of disease outbreaks,”
SCI Country Director, told journalists that the first cholera cases have already been reported, describing it as a major health risk that needs urgent intervention. “I was in Maiduguri until Saturday when I saw the massive damages the flooding caused and interacted with some affected families.”
“The crisis is compounded by the fact that it is happening in the middle of the lean season, when access to nutrition is at its lowest. Malnourished and underweight children are now living in increasingly challenging conditions in the temporary camps”.
“It was an opportunity for me and my organisation to evaluate the situation and work with my colleagues in Maiduguri to provide immediate assistance to some affected populations”. He stated
Harvey, revealed that, Save the Children is already setting up outreach services, focusing on health and nutrition, and providing psychological support for children and caregivers through Mental Health Support programs.
“Save the Children’s urgent response plan to the crisis includes but not limited to multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) to the affected households; rehabilitation of sanitation facilities and conducting hygiene promotion as well as community awareness; child protection in emergencies through setting up mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) help desk to provide psychological first-aid services to children and caregivers in the camps” he said.”.
The flooding, one of the worst Maiduguri has seen in over 30 years, has impacted over 40,000 people, with 37 deaths and 58 injuries reported. Families remain in urgent need of shelter, clean water, food, and healthcare as relief efforts continue.
