- Women in Lagos, including married women and mothers, are forced to scavenge for food in garbage dumps to feed their families
- The women, driven by desperation, rummage through rotting food and filth, exposing themselves to severe health risks
- Health experts warn of immediate and long-term consequences, including cancer, lead poisoning, acute malnutrition, and anemia
The streets of Lagos have become a battleground for survival, as women are forced to scavenge for food in garbage dumps to feed their families. Despite the risks, these women continue to rummage through rotting food and filth, driven by desperation and the need to provide for their loved ones.
Their stories are heartbreaking, with many having lost their husbands’ jobs, struggled with illnesses, or faced other devastating factors that have shattered their financial stability. With no support system, they have been forced to take matters into their own hands, abandoning shame and pride to ensure their family’s survival.
The health implications of this desperate measure are severe, with experts warning of immediate and long-term consequences, including cancer, lead poisoning, acute malnutrition, and anemia. The children are particularly vulnerable, with malnutrition affecting their growth and development, and exposure to toxins potentially leading to lifelong health problems.
The situation is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of poverty and the struggles that many families face. It is a call to action for the government, communities, and individuals to come together to address the root causes of poverty and ensure that no family has to resort to scavenging for food to survive.
