US has announced that Nigeria will receive part of a $93m US food aid package to tackle severe malnutrition in 13 countries.
US has announced that Nigeria will receive part of a $93m US food aid package to tackle severe malnutrition in 13 countries.
The United States government has unveiled a $93 million emergency food assistance programme targeting 13 countries, including 12 in Africa, to combat worsening hunger and malnutrition.
The US Department of State said the programme will provide nearly one million children suffering from severe malnutrition with lifesaving ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). The package includes 1,209 metric tons of existing stock and funding to produce an additional 11,285 metric tons.
Benefiting nations include Haiti, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Kenya, and Chad.
Speaking at a press briefing, Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, said the initiative would also cover essential food commodities, targeted nutritional support, and emergency logistics.
“Today marks the first 200 days of the Trump Administration, and with it 200 days of delivering results and real wins for the American people,” Pigott said.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the United States is restoring strength, securing prosperity, and standing up for American interests on the world stage.”
“The United States is providing an additional $93 million to treat nearly 1 million children suffering from malnutrition with lifesaving, ready-to-use therapeutic food – RUTF – from and by American producers.
This critical funding will help save lives in 13 countries … drawing down the entire prepositioned stock of RUTF and supporting continued production to meet ongoing needs.”
The announcement follows the recent closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Trump administration’s cost-cutting reforms — a decision that drew criticism from former US leaders and global health experts.
USAID, established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, had long been the lead agency for American humanitarian and development assistance, managing global health, education, agriculture, democracy support, and disaster relief programmes in over 100 countries.
President Trump has repeatedly criticised USAID’s role, arguing that its resources should be redirected to domestic priorities.
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