A UNICEF report indicates that 51 million children in eastern and southern Africa are at severe risk due to climate change and extreme weather. One in three children under five faces severe food poverty, contributing to malnutrition and health challenges. Countries like Malawi and Zambia are experiencing emergencies due to drought and floods, necessitating urgent action to protect children’s futures. UNICEF advocates for integrated climate-smart programming to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability among affected communities.
A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that 51 million children in eastern and southern Africa are facing dire risks due to extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. Current estimates indicate that one in three children under five is experiencing severe food poverty, with 64 million affected, often due to inequity, conflict, and environmental challenges. This precarious situation significantly increases the likelihood of malnutrition, particularly in the form of wasting, which poses severe threats to children’s survival.
The situation for these children is worsened by a host of inadequacies including lack of health and nutrition support, unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and limited access to education, all coupled with widespread poverty. The climate crisis, characterized by phenomena such as El Nino and La Nina, has intensified health issues including cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, and food insecurity specifically affecting vulnerable children across the region.
Countries such as Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho are currently grappling with emergencies due to climate-related disasters. For instance, Malawi is facing a severe crisis with nine million people, half of whom are children, requiring urgent assistance. Erratic weather and flooding have devastated agricultural production, leading to heightened food shortages and health concerns for children throughout the country.
Similarly, Zambia declared a national emergency as a combination of drought and floods has left 6.5 million people, including three million children, facing critical food insecurity. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, is battling consecutive droughts affecting food and water supplies, which have escalated risks of conflict and diseases, notably cholera and polio.
The report emphasizes the necessity for collective action to address the dire circumstances of these children. The region’s future relies on a concerted effort from various organizations, sectors, and communities to protect and empower children. UNICEF is actively integrating climate-smart programming to bolster community resilience in the face of climatic adversities brought about by El Nino and La Nina.
UNICEF’s strategy also includes reducing its emissions through the adoption of sustainable energy alternatives. This approach is crucial for fostering hope and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of children, while also tackling the underlying causes and effects of climate change. The organization’s comprehensive efforts aim to create a substantial impact in global climate action, benefiting children and families in need.
The climate crisis significantly impacts children in eastern and southern Africa, exacerbating existing challenges such as poverty and health issues. The ongoing unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change, including phenomena like El Nino and La Nina, have heightened food insecurity and increased the prevalence of malnutrition among vulnerable populations. The area has seen a surge in conflict and inequity, further complicating efforts to support children in need. The urgent call for collective action and the integration of climate-smart approaches are paramount for safeguarding children’s futures in these regions.
In conclusion, the findings of the UNICEF report underscore the urgent need for immediate and coordinated actions to combat the climate crisis affecting millions of children in eastern and southern Africa. The compounded challenges of food insecurity, health risks, and inadequate support systems necessitate a unified response from multiple sectors. UNICEF’s proactive initiatives to integrate climate-smart strategies and reduce emissions are essential steps towards fostering resilience and safeguarding the future of children in these affected regions.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
