Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Mary Dinah Foundation (MDF), one of Africa’s largest non-profit organisations dedicated to improving the lives of women and children, has expanded its footprint in northern Nigeria with the opening of a new office in Damaturu, Yobe State.

The facility, inaugurated last week will serve as a hub for delivering critical health, nutrition, WASH, livelihood, and education programs.

Regional Nutrition Director, Jerry Ezike, speaking at the opening ceremony, said: “This new office is more than a building—it’s a commitment to the people of the Northeast.

Ezike, in a statement on Monday stated: “By bringing our operations closer to the communities we serve, we can respond faster, engage more effectively, and ensure that
our interventions are tailored to the unique needs of each local area. This aligns directly with our mission to create lasting change by addressing the root causes of poverty, malnutrition, and inequality.”

He said Yobe State was selected for this expansion due to its high malnutrition rates, limited healthcare access, and the displacement caused by conflict—factors that make community-based interventions essential.

“According to a recent International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) situation report, 13,010 children under five were treated for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in June 2024.

“The state also recorded a diarrhea prevalence of up to 23% among infants aged 6–23 months. Persistent challenges remain in ensuring adequate supplies of therapeutic meals and medical aid.”

He said that MDF, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year, has been active in Yobe since 2020 through its flagship Zero Hunger Program.

“The new office will coordinate initiatives focusing on maternal and child health,
nutrition, women’s empowerment, and literacy, working closely with community stakeholders and the Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board to ensure inclusive engagement and lasting impact.”

The Director of Primary Healthcare Services in Fune Local Government Area welcomed the development, stating: “This is a significant milestone for humanitarian and development work in Yobe.

Having MDF permanently represented here will not only strengthen coordination but also ensure that life-saving interventions reach those who need them most.

We look forward to collaborating closely to improve the wellbeing of our people.”
With this new operational base, MDF aims to reach up to 510,000 children annually through targeted outreach, training, and resource distribution.

The organisation will also scale up its interventions in the coming months with the roll-out of Zero Hunger Program Phase II.

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