Struggles in Nigeria’s Insurgency-Hit Borno State
In the shade of a small thatched hut in Dikwa, Nigeria, Yagana Bulama holds her surviving infant. Tragically, one of her twins died, falling victim to malnutrition and cuts in international funding that have left displaced communities struggling to survive in Borno state.
“Finding food is incredibly tough,” said Bulama, a 40-year-old former farmer. She was forced to abandon her home due to attacks from Boko Haram militants. Along with nearly 400,000 others in Dikwa, she relies on aid for basic needs, but military restrictions prevent them from farming beyond a designated “safe zone.”
For years, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) played a crucial role in providing humanitarian support in this region, helping non-profits deliver food, medical care, and shelter to millions. However, this year, the Trump administration significantly slashed aid, cutting over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts and reducing global assistance by $60 billion.
Programs aimed at children were particularly affected, with Bulama losing previous young triplets due to hunger. After the birth of her twins last August, both were underweight, and they entered a program for therapeutic feeding managed by Mercy Corps. Unfortunately, in February, that program was abruptly halted due to funding issues, leading to the death of one twin just weeks later.
“It feels like I have no tears left, only fear for what’s next,” Bulama expressed. “I don’t want to bury another child.”
A Traumatic Situation
USAID has been responsible for funding about half of the therapeutic foods used to treat malnutrition in children globally. Experts warn that without this support, up to one million children may not receive the help they need, leading to a shocking increase in preventable deaths.
Trond Jensen, leader of the U.N. humanitarian office in Maiduguri, described the situation as tragic, emphasizing the life-threatening impact on children. Although UNICEF operates a nearby feeding center for malnourished children, resources are limited, and many families are being turned away.
Intersos, an Italian humanitarian organization, remains one of the few places currently offering inpatient treatment in Dikwa. Overwhelmed staff report daily admissions of up to ten severely malnourished children. "We saw significant improvements before the funding cuts," said Ayuba Kauji, a health supervisor. “Now, high mortality is my biggest concern.”
Due to the aid cuts, Intersos has been forced to reduce its workforce drastically and operate on substantially limited local funding, which is set to expire soon.
Far-Reaching Consequences
The ramifications of this funding reduction are felt beyond just nutritional support. Many displaced families, including those who escaped Boko Haram captivity, are left stranded without new shelter or assistance. There’s a growing concern that the lack of support could push these vulnerable individuals toward dangerous choices, including aligning with violent groups.
The crisis in Nigeria mirrors larger global problems. Mercy Corps reports that 40 of its 62 U.S.-funded programs across various nations have been terminated due to funding cuts. Countries like Mozambique are facing similar issues, with massive repercussions for the healthcare systems and communities.
As this humanitarian crisis deepens in Nigeria and beyond, the need for stable and reliable aid sources becomes increasingly urgent. Without proper support, families like Bulama’s will continue to face unimaginable hardships.
