Save the Children: COVID-19 may expose vulnerable children to hunger in Nigeria

Save the Children International Nigeria says it is concerned that the coronavirus pandemic may expose vulnerable children to malnutrition and hunger. 

In a statement on Thursday, Amanuel Mamo, the organisation’s director of advocacy and campaigns, said effects of the disease could reverse the progress made on child rights in the country.

The organisation asked the government to scale up provision of cash and food assistance for the most vulnerable children and families to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

“Save the Children International Nigeria is extremely concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic could turn into a serious child rights crisis in Nigeria, as hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable children could be exposed to a dangerous mix of extreme poverty, malnutrition and hunger as a result of the virus,” the organisation said.

“The socioeconomic impact of the pandemic will push many poor households to turn to desperate measures just to survive. Children could face increased risk of child labour or sexual exploitation or of child marriage, as families struggle to feed their families.”

Mercy Gichuhi, acting country director of Save the Children Nigeria, said the organisation is working with stakeholders towards better accessible social protection services for most vulnerable people.

“As the numbers of COVID-19 cases rise in Nigeria and the virus is spreading to different States, we are working hard to mitigate the negative impact this will have on the most vulnerable children, especially in fragile communities,” she said.

“Children are seriously affected when parents and caregivers are infected by the virus and taken away for care. We are working closely with the government to support efforts to contain the virus and keep children safe and protected amid the pandemic.

“We must act now and rapidly scale up support for children whose families’ income is insecure and live in fragile communities. There is a need for increased protection for children, especially girls, displaced children, and other vulnerable groups.

“Our collective efforts and sustainable actions in responding to the pandemic should ensure that no child is left behind, vulnerable or unprotected.”