(Ecofin Agency) - Unicef Niger will benefit from a two-year support program from the British Department for International Development (DFID) to further the fight against child malnutrition in Niger.

Under this deal, the UN body will receive a total of $6.7 million (about CFA4 billion), in addition to the support received last year by the British institution. “This new contribution will be key in supporting the implementation of our program in the most affected areas so the nutritional status of children with high risk is protected and the lives of those suffering from acute malnutrition are saved. We are profoundly grateful that the UK Government has once again committed to the children of Niger,” said Dr. Félicité Tchibindat (pictured), UNICEF Representative in Niger.

Activities will mainly focus on Zinder, Maradi, Tahoua, and Tillaberi, where high levels of malnutrition are observed. According to UNICEF, between 350,000 and 400,000 children under the age of 5 are admitted to nutritional programs each year in the country. And “High levels of malnutrition have multidimensional consequences for children which will impact resilience and long-term development of households and children, including intergenerational effects,” explains Félicité Tchibindat.