UNICEF Warns of Nutrition Crisis for 14 Million Children Due to Funding Cuts

UNICEF has announced that at least 14 million children are at risk of losing critical nutrition services due to significant global funding cuts, Reliefweb.com reported. This alarming situation coincides with the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris, where world leaders are urged to address the funding crisis amid rising needs caused by conflict, disease outbreaks, and climate change.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted that previous progress in reducing child malnutrition could be reversed, endangering millions of lives. The report indicates that over 2.4 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition may lack access to Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) throughout 2025. Additionally, up to 2,300 stabilization centers for severely malnourished children are at risk of closure.

The number of pregnant and breastfeeding women experiencing acute malnutrition has surged from 5.5 million to 6.9 million since 2020. UNICEF calls on governments and donors to prioritize investments in health and nutrition programs to avert this looming crisis.