Some 20.2 million children are at risk of severe hunger, thirst and disease – compared to 10 million in July – as climate change, conflict, global inflation and grain shortages ravage the region.
“While collective and accelerated efforts have alleviated some of the worst effects of the fears, children in the Horn of Africa still face the worst drought in more than two generations,” specified UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Lieke van de Wiel.
millions are starving
Almost two million children in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are estimated to be in urgent need of treatment for severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of hunger.
Water insecurity has now more than doubled, with almost 24 million people now facing acute water stress.
At the same time, the drought has internally displaced over two million people and displaced approximately 2.7 million children from school, with another four million more at risk of dropping out.
“Humanitarian assistance must continue to save lives and build resilience for the appalling numbers of children and families who are marginalized – dying of starvation and disease and displaced in search of food, water and pasture for their livestock said Ms. van de Wiel.
swaying on the edge
As increasing stress pushes families to the brink, youth face child labor, child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
And widespread food insecurity and displacement trigger sexual violence, exploitation, abuse and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV).
“We need a global effort to urgently mobilize resources to reduce further devastating and irreversible harm to children in the Horn of Africa,” the senior UNICEF official continued.
On hand to lend a hand
Thanks to the generous support of donors and partners, UNICEF continues to provide lifesaving services to children and families in the Horn of Africa as it prepares for further shocks, builds resilience and strengthens critical services.
This year, the UN agency and its partners reached nearly two million children and women with essential health services; nearly two million vaccinated against measles between the ages of six months and 15 years; and provided clean water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene to over 2.7 million people.
UNICEF’s 2023 emergency appeal of $759 million to support children and their families requires timely and flexible funding, particularly in the areas of education, water and sanitation, and child protection — all of which were severely underfunded this year .
Another $690 million is needed to support long-term investments to help children and their families recover and adapt to climate change.
“As governments and people around the world prepare to welcome a new year, we call on the international community to commit now to responding to what will hit the Horn of Africa over the next year and years to come could,” Ms van de Wiel appealed.
“We must act now to save children’s lives, uphold their dignity and protect their future.”
