Surviving Boko Haram: why children under five matter

Understanding the effect of conflict on children is crucial in mitigating a more severe humanitarian disaster.

There is a dearth of accurate health and mortality information coming out of those areas of Nigeria and Cameroon most affected by Boko Haram. This has led to gaps in understanding the full correlation between armed conflict and the health of children between birth and five years old. Efforts should be redoubled to understand and address the health and development needs of children under five in order to mitigate this humanitarian crisis and strive for better early childhood development outcomes. 

About the author

Uyo Yenwong-Fai joined the Transnational Threats and International Crime Programme as researcher in 2012. Her work focuses on counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism. She has worked on the involvement of youth, women and children in violent extremism and reintegration in Africa, among other issues. She holds a Master’s degree in international relations from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

 
Picture: Alexis Huguet/UNHCR