Today's top news: Mali, Nigeria

#Mali

 UN Relief Chief fast-tracks funds to respond to diphtheria outbreak

Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated US$1 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for an urgent response to diphtheria in Mali, which has been facing a fast-spreading outbreak of the disease since mid-September. 

The new funding will support life-saving health interventions in the regions of Mopti, Ségou and Tombouctou, where mortality rates are highest. 

As of early December, more than 530 diphtheria cases and over 30 deaths had been reported, though the actual figures are expected to be far higher due to underreporting. 

The outbreak comes as Mali continues to see vaccine shortages and limited access to healthcare, amid ongoing insecurity and cross-border population movements.

The allocation from CERF – the UN’s globally emergency fund, managed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – will enable the World Health Organization to deploy emergency medical teams, provide antibiotics and antitoxins, work to prevent infections, manage cases, trace contacts and raise community awareness.

#Nigeria

UN voices sadness at lives lost in mosque attack

The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, has expressed his deep sadness at the impact of a suspected suicide attack in a mosque in Gamboru in Borno State in the country’s north-east, which led to the loss of lives and left scores injured.

On behalf of the UN in Nigeria,  Mr. Fall conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed, and to the Government and the people of Borno State and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Mr. Fall joined the Governor of Borno, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in strongly condemning the heinous attack in a place of worship and echoed his call for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures during this festive period and beyond.

This alleged suicide attack is yet another horrific reminder of the deadly toll of violent attacks in Borno State this year. On 5 September, more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group attacked Darajamal, in Bama Local Government Area, while other incidents have ranged from targeted attacks on communities to attacks on internally displaced persons camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and other tactics targeting farmers, fishermen, travelers and traders.

Mr. Fall reiterated his call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians, including those gathered in places of worship, as well as their property, and to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.