The Effect of Boko Haram Insurgency on Health and Nutrition among the Residents of Bolori 2 of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, Nigeria

The Boko Haram insurgency has unleashed a devastating wave of violence, upheaval, and insecurity across Nigeria and neighboring regions. While the direct impact of this extremist group on lives and livelihoods is undeniable, there remains a hidden and insidious crisis quietly unfolding in its wake. This article delves into the profound and often overlooked consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency on the health and nutrition landscape of affected communities. The detrimental effects of the Boko Haram insurgency reverberate far beyond the immediate destruction caused by their attacks. Disrupted healthcare systems, damaged infrastructure, and mass displacements have given rise to a complex web of interconnected health and nutritional challenges. By examining the multifaceted dimensions of this crisis, we can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate ways in which Boko Haram’s presence has compromised the well-being of individuals, families, and entire communities. At the heart of this analysis lies the profound disruption to healthcare services, including the destruction of medical facilities and the forced migration of healthcare personnel. As a result, access to basic healthcare has drastically diminished, leaving vulnerable populations grappling with untreated illnesses, limited maternal care, and inadequate immunization coverage. Concurrently, the collapse of essential public health initiatives has created fertile ground for the outbreak and resurgence of infectious diseases, exacerbating the already dire health challenges. Additionally, the Boko Haram insurgency has precipitated widespread displacement and disrupted food production systems, resulting in acute food shortages and severe malnutrition. Families living in conflict-affected areas face extreme difficulties in accessing nutritious food, with many forced into camps or fleeing to already overwhelmed urban centers. The persistent threat of violence and the destruction of agricultural infrastructure have crippled farming activities, leading to dwindling food supplies, and soaring prices, pushing communities towards a state of chronic hunger and undernutrition.