UNICEF Appeals for $1.2 Billion to Support 51 Million Children in Eastern and Southern Africa

UNICEF has launched a critical appeal for USD 1.2 billion to address the urgent needs of 51 million children affected by a series of escalating crises in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The UNICEF appeal, as reported by Reliefweb.com, highlights a significant increase of 6 million children in need compared to the previous year, reflecting the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.

The region is currently grappling with multiple challenges, including relentless climate shocks, public health emergencies, and ongoing conflicts. UNICEF reports that 20 out of 21 countries are facing health emergencies, impacting over 63 million people. Outbreaks of diseases such as mpox, Marburg, cholera, and malaria have intensified, revealing the fragility of health systems across the area.

Displacement is also on the rise, with nearly 15% more people forced to flee their homes due to climate impacts and conflicts. From April 2023 to October 2024, over 826,000 individuals, including 415,000 children, have crossed into South Sudan, escaping violence in Sudan. South Sudan now hosts more than 484,000 refugees, while approximately 2 million people are internally displaced, primarily due to flooding and food insecurity.

Children are particularly vulnerable during these crises, facing increased risks of violence, exploitation, and family separation. The threat of gender-based violence looms large, with reports indicating that desperate coping mechanisms have led to a dramatic rise in child marriages. For example, during the 2022 drought in Ethiopia, child marriages surged by nearly 120% in the worst-affected regions.

Education access is another pressing issue, with nearly 47 million children currently out of school. The region is at the epicenter of a global learning crisis, with 9 out of 10 children unable to read a simple text by age 10.

In response to these urgent needs, UNICEF is committed to prioritizing lifesaving efforts and building community resilience. The organization is enhancing its collaboration with local and national partners to ensure that the rights of children remain central to humanitarian responses.