Read 2 minutes

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that the humanitarian situation for millions of children across Eastern and Southern Africa is worsening due to multiple crises, including persistent climate shocks, public health emergencies, conflict, and economic upheavals.

According to UNICEF, the number of children at the epicenter of these crises has risen exponentially from six million in 2023 to at least 51 million this year.

UNICEF said these crises meant that children were increasingly vulnerable to other negative effects such as violence, exploitation, and family separation. The UN children’s agency also pointed out that gender-based violence represented a growing threat to the population due to rising food insecurity and lack of economic opportunities.

Moreover, around one-third of children in the region face food poverty. 28 million are at risk of being trapped in a cycle of malnutrition and poverty.

UNICEF also shared concerns about setbacks to gains made in access to education despite improved enrollment rates across the region. While about two million children in the region have been given access to formal or non-formal education this year, UNICEF estimates that nearly 47 million children are out of school.

UNICEF said it will continue to prioritize lifesaving efforts for the most vulnerable, in addition to boosting national capacity and preparedness for timely and efficient humanitarian responses to ensure children’s rights across the world.

About 135 million children have been screened for wasting and more than 15 million children received access to essential health services. Additionally, more than 6.3 million people, more than half of whom are children, have received access to safe water.

“By prioritizing action and investment, we can make a transformative change, ensuring that children have the opportunities they need to make a difference in their lives,” UNICEF Regional Director, Etleva Kadilli said.

Kadilli also launched an appeal to donors for 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in funding to help UNICEF prioritize the needs and rights of underserved children and communities in the region.

“Thanks to the unwavering commitment of donors and partners, alongside UNICEF’s strong presence in the region, we have been able to respond rapidly. This year alone in terms of nutrition efforts, over 135 million children and 22 million pregnant women were screened for severe wasting. However, several of our humanitarian programmes are critically underfunded, which jeopardizes our long-term efforts to support children in need.”