Humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm: massive funding cuts are threatening food distribution and jeopardizing the survival of Nigeria's most vulnerable populations. The crisis is particularly acute in the north of the country, a region where millions of people are completely dependent on food aid to survive after fleeing violence by terrorist groups.

Soumbami Tukunabo, a humanitarian worker for the Italian organization InterSOS, explains the challenge: "We distribute sorghum and rice. This is their only source of subsistence, the only way for them to feed themselves and survive. These people depend entirely on the World Food Program to receive these vital supplies. It would be very unfortunate to tell them that due to global budget cuts, the number of beneficiaries will be reduced."

The situation is considered dramatic by Acel Kats, WFP representative in Nigeria. "Normally, the WFP food program should be able to provide assistance to around 1.6 million people during this period.

"Unfortunately, this is not possible this year due to an unprecedented shortage of resources," he laments. The consequences are direct: last July, more than 150 clinics had to close, depriving children and infants of essential care and specialized nutrition.

In Bama, Borno State, budget cuts have already impacted aid: food distribution is threatened, and the number of beneficiaries has been reduced, with aid now targeting only the most vulnerable.

This funding gap is partly due to declining foreign aid. Until recently, the United States provided more than half of Nigeria's aid.

However, President Donald Trump's announcement of the dismantling of USAID shortly after his inauguration led to a significant decline in US aid. Other Western countries are following this trend by reducing their development budgets.

On the ground, the human impact is poignant. Amina Mtofio, a doctor at the Mafa clinic, confides her dismay: "I feel bad for them, and for myself too."

This will affect my work. I could not bear to see children and mothers die when I can help them." She emphasizes the urgency of caring for malnourished mothers, as their health is essential to that of their babies.

Currently, more than 600,000 children are at risk of malnutrition. Experts are calling on the international community to respond immediately to prevent a large-scale humanitarian disaster.