A Major Humanitarian Effort to Combat Malnutrition in West and Central Africa
A significant humanitarian effort has been launched by the Mary Dinah Foundation (MDF), a leading non-governmental organisation focused on addressing malnutrition and protecting maternal and child health across Africa. The foundation has dispatched over 12 million therapeutic meals to some of the most conflict-affected communities in West and Central Africa, aiming to support 102,000 individuals through its flagship Zero Hunger Programme.
The initiative involves the transportation of 13 40-foot sea containers filled with 18,180 cartons of specially formulated nutritious foods. These supplies are being delivered to three critical locations: Yobe State in Nigeria, the Minawao Refugee Camp in Cameroon’s Far North Region, and the Lac Province in Chad. These areas have experienced prolonged periods of insurgency, displacement, and economic instability, leaving many communities in dire need of assistance.
Jerry Ezike, the Regional Nutrition Director of MDF, highlighted that the shipment is a crucial relief effort following the partial restoration of U.S. aid. He noted that the Zero Hunger Programme was one of the few initiatives preserved when USAID announced the closure of over 5,000 global programmes earlier this year. The programme was retained due to its vital role in saving lives and ensuring the survival of mothers and children.
The delivery of these nutrition supplies marks the beginning of a complex logistics operation involving customs clearance, ground transport, and final distribution through local health centres and remote communities. Once on the ground, the supplies will provide essential micronutrients to pregnant and lactating mothers while also helping to treat and prevent malnutrition in children under two years of age.
Ezike explained that MDF teams, many of whom come from conflict-affected areas themselves, will collaborate with local health workers to ensure that every carton reaches those most in need. This partnership is crucial for overcoming the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and difficult terrain in the region.
According to humanitarian agencies, more than 30 million people across north-east Nigeria, northern Cameroon, and Chad face severe food insecurity. This situation has been exacerbated by continued violence and climate-related shocks, making the delivery of nutritional support even more urgent.
The scale of this shipment reflects the strong collaboration between local communities, international donors, and humanitarian agencies. Ezike emphasized that the mission of MDF is simple yet powerful: to ensure that no mother or child dies of hunger. The foundation remains committed to saving lives, restoring hope, and building food-secure futures for vulnerable populations.
The Zero Hunger Programme has already reached over 12 million people, demonstrating the impact of sustained efforts in combating malnutrition. MDF continues to reaffirm its dedication to improving health outcomes and supporting communities affected by conflict and poverty.
Through its work, the Mary Dinah Foundation exemplifies the importance of resilience, partnership, and innovation in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the region—malnutrition. As the logistics operation progresses, the focus remains on delivering life-saving nutrition to those who need it most, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger.