In Niger, more than two million children are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, as reported by UNICEF.
The country, already grappling with jihadist violence, has been further destabilized by a recent coup.
Previously, UNICEF had projected that by 2023, about 1.5 million children under the age of five would be malnourished, with at least 430,000 experiencing severe, life-threatening malnutrition.
With rising food prices and potential economic downturn, these numbers could increase, the agency warns.
Furthermore, due to the recent political upheavals, Niger has faced electricity shortages, intensified by sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This scarcity impacts the cold chain, jeopardizing the effectiveness of children’s vaccines in health facilities.
UNICEF urgently calls on involved parties to ensure access to essential supplies and for humanitarian workers currently blocked at various entry points into the country.
They also appealed for the protection of humanitarian funds and against the imposition of sanctions.
Having faced a coup on July 26th, Niger stands as one of the world’s poorest nations, heavily reliant on foreign countries for economic and energy resources.