Adults exploiting child-saving foods in IDPs camp – IRC

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said its officials in Internally Displaced Camps (IDP) are battling with adults who are now exploiting Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) meant for children.

Angela Mariana Fraley, the Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of the IRC, stated this in an interview with a journalist shortly after IRC had a parley with stakeholders in Maiduguri.

“Our officials are struggling with adults exploiting Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) meant for children, a clear indication of the pervasive food insecurity among beneficiaries.”

Fraley, who said her team was on intervention assessment tour in Borno State, said the North East region is still grappling with escalating humanitarian needs amidst dwindling resources.

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She noted that the overcrowded state of many Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs), especially in Monguno, indicates that the conditions fall woefully short of acceptable standards.

Asked about her view on the gradual transition of interventions from humanitarian to developmental phase, she said, “We do have to shift from humanitarian phase to development phase, but we cannot let people die in the process. That is not what our missions are.”

She also warned government of the potential dangers of a hasty shift without the necessary budget growth at the developmental agencies.

Earlier, Harlem Desir, Senior Vice-President of the IRC, Europe, assured of the IRC’s commitment to supporting communities affected by conflict and violence in the northeast.

He said despite the abduction of their staff member last year, the IRC continues to expand operations, providing essential services such as access to clean water, support for pregnant women and educational services.