New Surge in Hunger as More People Flee Increasing Boko Haram Violence in Lake Chad Region (For the Media)

Increased fighting and insecurity in northeast Nigeria and the border region have led to a surge of refugees and internally displaced people in recent months. More than 5.6 million people do not have enough food to eat in the areas affected by the Boko Haram crisis in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. WFP is concerned that insecurity could lead to prolonged hunger. WFP gives assistance to refugees, returnees, IDPs, and host communities in the three countries. Lifesaving food assistance is provided along with specialized nutritional food to treat malnourished children under five, and pregnant and nursing women. In all 3 countries, WFP supports refugee children with moderate acute malnutrition by giving them highly nutritious food.  To date, more than 42,000 malnourished children and mothers have been assisted.