Middle East Crisis Global Poverty

Iran War Pushes Children in Nigeria into Malnutrition

Since the Iran War began in late February, the situation for already vulnerable families in northern Nigeria has worsened, reports the AP.

The war has worsened the food supply for millions of people in one of the world's poorest regions.

Children are particularly vulnerable, and more and more are suffering from malnutrition.

If the war continues, up to 23.4 million additional children are at risk of falling into monetary poverty.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to rising oil prices worldwide, driving up the costs of everything from gasoline to food and fertilizers. It threatens the upcoming growing season and worsens the situation for farming communities in northern Nigeria.

- The longer the conflict goes on, the more serious the consequences will be, says Unicef ​​director Catherine Russell to the AP.

Maryam's Struggle: "I Can Barely Feed My Child"

More and more children are suffering from malnutrition in northern Nigeria as a result of the Iran-Iraq war. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up the prices of everything from gasoline to food, exacerbating an already dire situation.

Maryam Aminu's daughter, who is one and a half years old, was treated for malnutrition in February. In April, she needed treatment again. Aminu says she can barely afford to feed her child, let alone nutritious food.

"When she was diagnosed for the second time, I was both sad and angry, even though I had expected it. Times are difficult and we don't always have food," she tells AP.

Meanwhile, her husband has lost his job as a taxi driver due to rising fuel prices.