El Niño Crisis Looms: UNICEF Warns Over 162 Million Children in Africa at Risk

Eastern and Southern Africa face a significant threat from the escalating El Niño climate event, potentially impacting the lives of over 162 million children. UNICEF highlights that this widespread crisis could exacerbate existing challenges related to food security, health services, access to clean water, and educational continuity.

Children in the region are particularly vulnerable to the combined effects of drought, extreme heat, and flooding predicted by El Niño. These climate shocks risk overwhelming already strained systems that provide essential services, pushing millions of children into further precarious situations.

“The threat from El Niño is growing, and the risks for children are already clear,” stated Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa. She emphasized that many children are already grappling with food and water insecurity, and further climate shocks could push them and the support systems to a breaking point.

The warning encompasses 13 countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In these nations, UNICEF assessments indicate a high likelihood of overlapping climate-related risks.

UNICEF is urging governments and humanitarian organizations to act proactively, emphasizing that anticipatory action, even with limited available funding, can save lives and protect development gains. The agency is calling for immediate investments in critical areas such as nutrition services, pre-positioning of life-saving supplies, strengthening health and WASH systems, preparing schools for disruptions, and enhancing child protection measures.

“We know what is coming, which children are most at risk and how to protect them,” Kadilli added. “The choice is whether the world responds now, or waits until the crisis escalates, and children pay an even greater price.”

UNICEF is seeking US$173 million to provide anticipatory and life-saving assistance to children and families in the 13 priority countries. The agency stresses that early and flexible financing is crucial before the full impact of El Niño intensifies, noting that every dollar invested in disaster risk reduction can yield significant savings in future recovery costs.

For millions of children already facing vulnerable conditions, UNICEF’s urgent message is clear: preparation must precede the disaster, not follow it.

Source: Nile Post