PRESS RELEASE                                                               June 11, 2015

For Immediate Release                                                                                   PR-026/2015

United States Provides Additional Assistance to Displaced

Populations in Northeast Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle, today announced the awarding of a $10.5 million grant by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in humanitarian assistance for internally displaced populations in the northeast.  The grants will support the activities of the United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve access to health care services for affected populations in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.  With this new funding, total U.S. humanitarian assistance since the start of the crisis is nearly $44 million.

Speaking during the grants signing ceremony, Ambassador Entwistle said, “As we look forward to Nigeria’s success, the United States remains committed to extending our partnership to support the Nigerian people’s vision to accelerate this country’s economic and social development.”

USAID Mission Director Michael T. Harvey signed the grants with the three UN agencies in the presence of Ambassador Entwisle and the governors of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.

The funding will supply nutritional supplements for malnourished children, health care services to those living in camps and with host communities, clean water and sanitation, hygiene supplies, and protection services to affected populations.