A report by UNICEF reveals that 51 million children in eastern and southern Africa are at risk due to severe effects of climate change, with one-third under five facing extreme food poverty. Malnutrition, health crises, and insufficient resources greatly affect these children as countries confront compounded emergencies from drought and flooding. Coordinated action and climate-smart solutions are crucial for their protection and empowerment.
The UN Children’s Fund has highlighted that 51 million children in eastern and southern Africa face dire conditions due to the ongoing climate crisis, with extreme weather patterns placing their futures at risk. This alarming situation is compounded by significant food poverty affecting one in three children under five in Africa, which amounts to approximately 64 million, predominantly due to climate-induced factors such as conflict and deprivation.
Children’s vulnerability is exacerbated by inadequate health support, poor nutrition, lack of access to safe drinking water, insufficient sanitation facilities, and limited educational resources, all within an environment permeated by poverty. Recent climate events, including the impacts of El Niño and La Niña, have triggered extreme weather, leading to health crises such as cholera and mpox outbreaks and worsening malnutrition.
Countries like Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana face severe crises, with emergencies declared in each nation due to intensified drought, flooding, and food insecurity. For instance, Malawi reports that nearly 5 million children urgently need assistance as erratic weather patterns destroy crops, while Zambia grapples with severe food scarcity affecting 3 million children amid declared emergencies convening from both drought and flooding.
In recent years, the eastern and southern regions of Africa have been increasingly susceptible to climate-related challenges, affecting children’s wellbeing and future prospects. The frequency of extreme weather events has exacerbated pre-existing issues of poverty, malnutrition, and health crises across the continent. Reports by UNICEF emphasize the urgent need for a coordinated response to tackle the multifaceted impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, especially children. Moreover, the intersection of climate change with social factors such as conflict and political instability has made certain areas more fragile, creating a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate intervention and sustainable solutions. UNICEF’s mainstreaming of climate-smart programming is essential as it addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term challenges posed by climate variability and environmental changes.
In summary, the situation of millions of children in eastern and southern Africa is precarious due to the escalating climate crisis, which threatens their health, nutrition, and educational opportunities. Urgent action and collaborative efforts from various sectors are needed to improve resilience and reduce the impacts of climate change. Initiatives by organizations such as UNICEF play a critical role in this response, aiming to empower communities and safeguard the futures of children facing unprecedented challenges.
Original Source: global.chinadaily.com.cn
