A UNICEF report reveals that 51 million children in eastern and southern Africa face severe threats due to the climate crisis. One in three children under five is affected by food poverty, putting them at high risk of malnutrition. Countries like Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are facing emergencies due to extreme weather, and combined efforts from various sectors are needed to protect and empower affected children.
A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that 51 million children in eastern and southern Africa face dire threats due to the climate crisis and extreme weather patterns. The report highlights that one in three children under five, approximately 64 million, are suffering from severe food poverty, exacerbated by inequity, conflict, and climate-related deprivation. This precarious situation significantly increases their risk of malnutrition, particularly in the form of wasting, which poses a severe risk to their lives.
The report indicates that inadequate health, nutrition resources, unsafe water, poor sanitation, limited educational access, and widespread poverty contribute to the plight of these children. The impact of the climate crisis, exacerbated by phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña, has intensified outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and mpox, in addition to worsening malnutrition. Key countries affected by these challenges include Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, all of which have declared states of emergency.
Specifically, in Malawi, around 9 million individuals, including nearly 5 million children, face urgent needs due to erratic rainfall, floods, and prolonged droughts affecting food crops. Zambia is experiencing a similar situation, as 6.5 million people, including 3 million children, are on the brink of starvation due to drought followed by flooding. Prolonged drought in Zimbabwe has severely compromised food and water supplies, raising the risk of violence and contributing to disease outbreaks.
According to UNICEF, a concerted effort from various organizations, sectors, and individuals is crucial to improve conditions for affected children. The agency emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to protect and empower vulnerable youth while enhancing community resilience against climate shocks. UNICEF is implementing climate-smart programming to engage with local communities in responding to ongoing crises that stem from extreme weather and other challenges.
UNICEF also aims to reduce its own emissions by adopting sustainable energy alternatives, which plays a significant role in fostering hope and support for children affected by climate change. This initiative is part of a holistic strategy to address humanitarian needs while tackling longer-term effects associated with climate change, including those caused by El Niño and La Niña.
The report highlights the urgent need to address the severe impacts of climate change on children in Africa, particularly in eastern and southern regions. With climate conditions contributing to food insecurity, health crises, and lack of access to essential services, vulnerable populations experience heightened risks. The interplay of extreme weather patterns and socio-economic factors creates a challenging environment for millions of children, necessitating immediate action from multiple stakeholders to ensure their well-being and future.
In summary, the climate crisis poses an unprecedented threat to millions of children in eastern and southern Africa, with dire consequences for their health, well-being, and future prospects. Immediate and collaborative efforts are essential to mitigate these impacts, enhance community resilience, and empower children to navigate an increasingly unstable environment. UNICEF’s climate-smart initiatives will play a crucial role in addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and the underlying causes of vulnerability related to climate change.
Original Source: global.chinadaily.com.cn
