By Cecilia Ologunagba
The UN migration agency, IOM, says it provided humanitarian assistance to 17.8 million people in 170 countries and territories in 2025, according to a report published on Wednesday.
Established in 1951, the IOM provides humanitarian aid to refugees and displaced people, helps governments create safe migration policies, and works to ensure that human mobility remains humane and orderly.
Focusing its efforts on places such as Gaza, Haiti, Myanmar, Ukraine and the Sahel, the IOM provided shelter assistance to 7.3 million people in 2025.
It delivered 4.2 million primary health consultations and supported 5.1 million people with water, sanitation and hygiene services, according to the report.
In addition to the IOM’s direct on-the-ground aid, the organisation’s data informed 21 humanitarian response plans, helping governments and aid organisations target assistance.
The report highlighted the importance of coordination and evidence-based interventions to prioritise where to deliver aid as global funding continues to decrease.
“Conflicts, disasters, disease outbreaks and displacement drove needs to unprecedented levels, even as resources contracted dramatically,” IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels said.
“In spite of these challenges, IOM remained present where people needed us most,” she added.(NAN) (www.nannew.ng)