With the emergence of COVID-19, UNICEF is taking a new look at its fight against child malnutrition in Nigeria.

Nigeria has the second-highest number of children affected by malnutrition globally, with more than 2.5 million suffering from severe acute malnutrition and only two of every 10 affected children able to access treatment. Nigeria also has the second-highest burden of stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 per cent of children under five.

With Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil as an economic driver, the recent decline in oil prices due to COVID-19 has had a devastating impact. Adding to the pain, many Nigerians are now on lockdown, unable to earn the daily wage that allows them to feed themselves and their families.

“These measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are happening at the beginning of the rainy season. If they last longer, they will affect the planting season,” said Simeon Nanama, UNICEF’s Chief of Nutrition. “This will impact food security in the medium- and long-term, and ultimately negatively affect child nutrition.”

According to Nanama, the biggest problem with the lockdown and other COVID-19 prevention measures is the disruption to the food system.

“We are likely to see an increase in malnutrition. We will also see a spread in the geographic distribution of malnutrition, because the lockdown is more severe in some states than in others,” he said. “Also, cities where lockdowns appear to be more enforced may become the new centers of child malnutrition, which has not traditionally been the pattern of malnutrition in Nigeria.”

Children most affected

With schools still closed due to COVID-19 pandemic, children need to be reached with food – especially those children who rely on school feeding programmes as their only daily nutrition.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON OUR CHILDREN AND STAFF AT OUR HOME IN IBADAN, NIGERIA.

You are aware of the widespread effects of Covid-19 in our world today, particularly in underdeveloped countries that do not offer the same level of medical aid and social assistance that we have here in North America. Our orphanage in Ibadan, Nigeria faces the same looming threat and has therefore been in lockdown since March 23^rd, 2020 while our greatest efforts are being taken to ensure the health and safety of our children and staff during this outbreak.

Schools have been closed since mid-March however, we bless God that most of the schools have reopened, offering online studies.  This presents both opportunity and challenge. Opportunity of greater development of computer skills, but challenge due to the added cost for extensive internet data subscription for daily online courses and lack of necessary computer equipment (IPads).

Creative measures have been put into place to further enhance the education and enrichment of our children. Training in new skills currently being offered are sewing, taught by a professional fashion designer, and Hair dressing.  In addition, we want to provide musical training at the home and are praying that the Lord will provide musical instruments such as violin’s to make this project a reality.

Existing as a Non- Government Organization, we depend solely on donations to support the day to day operations of the home. Contributions become more crucial in a time of crisis like this, which means that financial support and gifts of food and supplies to the home have significantly declined.  These troubled times have emboldened us with love, courage and hope; while our doors have been shut to the outside world, we have been encouraged to reach up to God in prayer more than ever.  It has been a humbling experience for us.  Our God is Faithful.

PLEASE CONSIDER HOW YOU CAN HELP US WEATHER THIS STORM.

1. You may donate through PayPal online at chiproms.com;
2. Send a cheque to CHIPROMS INC. 6 Leslie Avenue, Barrie, Ontario. L4N 9N8.
3. Monthly payment PAD Agreement – see details under “DONATE”
4. E-transfer – see details under “DONATE”
5. IPAD donations new or used (usable) IPAD to be sent to Nigeria.
6. Violin donations. Please call our office at 416-907-9925 if you have an item to donate.

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT- Dayo Idowu
URGENT NEED FOR NON-PERISHABLE FOOD

The need for food is very urgent NOW, we hope you might be able to support our effort to care for and nurture the weak and vulnerable amongst us.  I am so grateful for your support, donations, and prayers.  Please keep well and safe during this pandemic.

Non-Perishable food items currently being collected for shipment mid August, 2020.

• Canned tomatoes
• Canned meat
• Canned fish
• Canned corn
• Canned chick peas
• Canned kidney beans
• Ready to eat cereal (any kind)