UNICEF urges governments to act on El Niño threats
UNICEF is urging urgent investment in child-critical response measures as forecasts indicate the 2026/2027 El Niño will be more intense, putting more than 162 million children in eastern and southern Africa at heightened risk from climate shocks. The agency identified urgent child risks across 13 priority countries and warned that heavy rains, flooding, drought and extreme heat could undermine nutrition, health, education and WASH services. UNICEF says less than one per cent of international humanitarian assistance is available for anticipatory action and requests US$173 million to fund 2026 humanitarian needs and anticipatory response.
162 million children in eastern and southern africa face heightened risk.
Context
Forecasters predict a stronger 2026/2027 El Niño. UNICEF assessed urgent child risks across 13 countries. Governments could invest now in anticipatory measures, or face larger crises later.
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