Our humanitarian aid in Nigeria

400 pullets for a village

It is a special day for Habiba Yawu and BB Husseini: Malteser International staff are distributing a total of 400 hens in the village square in Kirbiri and each household will receive eight, including Habiba and BB. In addition, everyone will receive a kafig, feed and medication for the pullets for the coming weeks. If there are any problems, the employees are available to help. Who can receive this support was determined in a long process together with the village community. You can find out how the selection was made in this article.

LIFE ON THE RUN IN NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Our Communications Officer, Katharina Kiecol, traveled to north-eastern Nigeria to see for herself how people on the run live and how we support them. She spoke to women in Pulka who are receiving psychosocial support in our Safe Space. During her visit to Mashamari, she learned just how important the water supply is in these communities. In this report, you can find out what she experienced on site and what lessons she learned.

Back to life - A safe haven for women and girls in Nigeria

Life as a refugee is particularly dangerous for women and girls. They often experience various forms of violence. Fatuma and Hadiza (names changed) were raped and disowned by their families. Our staff mediated with the families in the conflicts, provided psychosocial support to the women, and showed them a path to reintegrate into life.

On the run: Health must not be left behind

According to the latest figures of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), some 110 million people were on the run in 2022. This is the highest number recorded. Displaced individuals remain among the most vulnerable members of society and their health needs are often neglected. Many of them undertake long, exhausting journeys with inadequate access to food and water, sanitation, and other basic services, increasing their risk of getting sick.

On the occasion of World Refugee Day, June 20th 2023, we are launching a digital campaign under the title „ On the run: Health must not be left behind “. With this campaign, we want to raise awareness about everyone ‘s right - regardless of their circumstances - to health and access to people-centered and high-quality health services.

Nigeria: a safe space for women and girls in the refugee camp

Seven years ago, the 30-year-old Yakaka and her family fled from the violence at her home community. Since then, they reside in the Mashamari Camp in Borno State, northeast of Nigeria. For two years, Malteser International has been operating so-called ‘Safe Spaces’ in camps for refugees, in which 30-50 young women and girls are able to benefit from case management, psychosocial support services, and other offers. Moreover, they provide skills training for women to support their livelihoods.

"I almost lost my mind"

Three years ago, insurgents from the terror militia, Boko Haram attacked Kulu's village, and killed her husband. She was forced to flee with her children and arrived in a camp for displaced persons in Maiduguri, in northeastern Nigeria. The experiences left her traumatized and fearing for her sanity. Today, she is trying to get her life back on track despite the circumstances.