Only 2% of Nigerian women got critical health support in 2023: UN

Only 2% of women in Nigeria expecting sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence prevention received it, the United Nations said as it launched a global humanitarian appeal.

The UN says 128 million people received life-saving assistance in 2023, but funding gap meant that support was cut back and millions of people were not reached.

In Afghanistan, 10 million people lost access to food assistance between May and November; over half a million people were left in inadequate living conditions in Myanmar; and in Yemen, more than 80% of people targeted for assistance do not have proper water and sanitation, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said Monday.

It is appealing for $46 billion in global humanitarian aid in 2024. It hopes the funds will help 180.5 million people with life-saving assistance and protection.

“Humanitarians are saving lives, fighting hunger, protecting children, pushing back epidemics, and providing shelter and sanitation in many of the world’s most inhumane contexts. But the necessary support from the international community is not keeping pace with the needs,” said Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.

Worrying numbers

As communities across the world continue to suffer from conflicts, climate emergencies and collapsing economies, nearly 181 million people in 72 countries are targeted to receive humanitarian aid and protection next year, the agency said.

The agency said it was launching the global appeal on behalf of more than 1,900 humanitarian partners worldwide.

According to the UN, one child in every five lives in, or has fled from, conflict zones in 2023. Some 258 million people face acute hunger. One in 73 people worldwide is displaced – a doubling in 10 years. And disease outbreaks are causing preventable deaths in all corners of the world.

Learn more

Aid organizations have addressed this needs-and-resources gap in their 2024 response plans, which will have a more disciplined focus on the most urgent needs and will target fewer people: nearly 181 million next year compared to 245 million at the end of 2023.

Organizations are also appealing for less money: $46.4 billion for 2024 compared to $56.7 billion at the end of the 2023 global appeal.

“We thank all donors for their contributions, which amount to $20 billion so far this year – but that is just a third of what was needed. If we cannot provide more help in 2024, people will pay for it with their lives,” Griffiths said.