The Effect of Boko Haram Insurgency on Health and Nutrition among the Residents of Bolori 2 of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, Nigeria.
Authors: Ahmed Abdulrahman , Yahaya Dr. Hadiza , Jidda Dr. Abba , Ali Fatima Abacha , Dingari Cordelia. A. 
Published: January 2024

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. The far-reaching consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency on health and nutrition demand urgent attention from policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and the international community. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues is crucial for implementing effective and sustainable interventions that address not only the immediate needs but also the long-term repercussions. By understanding the complexities of this crisis, we can work towards rebuilding resilient health systems, rehabilitating agricultural infrastructure, and fostering community-led initiatives that restore health, well-being, and food security to the affected regions. This article aims to shed light on the often-overshadowed impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on health and nutrition, advocating for a comprehensive response that prioritizes the restoration of fundamental human rights and dignities to those who have borne the brunt of this ongoing crisis. This article is on the effect of Boko-Haram insurgency on health and nutrition among the residents of Bolori 2 of Maiduguri metropolitan council of Borno state. The study has examined the health and nutrition activities in the study area, assess the components of household health and nutrition, the effects of Boko-haram insurgency on health and nutrition and the level of malnutrition and other physical diseases respectively. The methodology used in the study includes observations, questionnaire, and interview. Percentage analysis is used to discuss findings. The concrete findings revealed that 59.55% of the respondents’ benefits from the health and nutrition services of 50.25% benefit from OPD, 34.92% CMAM and only 15.32% benefits from IPD. This is because of attacks by the insurgents which triggers lack of access to the population under study. It was revealed that 50.25% of the respondents considered home remedy as an initial means of in events of emergency in the study area. This will in turn further trigger household illness/diseases from moderate to severe and thereby subjecting the population into critical health situations. 50.55% of the respondents have a bad situation of hygiene. This will aid in exposing the population to the risk of water hygiene and sanitation related diseases. 59.45% of the respondents implied that there is no wide coverage access to health and nutrition services. The study revealed that 61.55% of the respondents implied that there is only one and single health/ nutrition facility in the area. This will further make the study area volatile as far as the cases of health and nutrition area concern. 59.50% of the respondents did (wives) not visit antennal clinic which accounts for the prevalence and of maternal and child health conditions. The study shows that health and nutrition services depreciated and were not appreciated over time 66.58%. majority of the respondents cannot access the health and nutrition services during emergency 93.71% and 75.37% of the respondents considered Boko-haram insurgency as the hindering factor to the access of the health /nutrition facility in the events of emergency. Percentage of 97.48% of the respondents revealed that health/nutrition awareness were not experienced due to insurgency leading to lack of health and nutrition key messages. The study emanated that Boko-haram insurgency is the reason for not conducting this awareness campaign. Understanding the specific challenges faced by residents in terms of healthcare access can inform targeted interventions. It highlight the need for increased medical facilities, personnel, and services to address the health needs of the community. The study identifies high levels of malnutrition, it can lead to the implementation of nutritional programs, including the distribution of food aid, supplementary feeding, and education on proper nutrition. Recognizing the psychological impact of the insurgency can prompt the establishment of psychosocial support services, including counseling and mental health programs, to address trauma and stress. Findings indicating damage to healthcare facilities and infrastructure may drive efforts to rebuild and reinforce these structures, ensuring that residents have access to essential medical services. The study can contribute to the formulation of policies at the national level to address the broader health and humanitarian issues resulting from the insurgency. This might involve collaboration between governmental bodies and international organizations. Understanding the specific needs of Bolori 2 can influence the allocation of resources at the national level, ensuring that funds and support are directed to areas most affected by the insurgency. Insights into the impact of insecurity on healthcare access may prompt the government to implement or strengthen security measures, creating a safer environment for residents and healthcare providers. The study may attract attention from the international community, leading to collaborative efforts to address the broader implications of the conflict, including health, security, and humanitarian concerns. The study’s findings can be used for advocacy purposes, raising awareness about the challenges faced by communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. This can garner support from both national and international stakeholders.