El Niño Threatens 162 Million Children as Africa Faces Growing Climate Emergency
UNICEF reports that over 162 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa are at risk due to the 2026/2027 El Niño climate phenomenon. The event threatens to exacerbate food insecurity, water shortages, and disease outbreaks in regions already struggling with conflict and poverty.
Why it matters
The convergence of climate change and existing humanitarian crises poses a severe threat to the health and development of millions of children in Africa.
Representative image Image Credit: ChatGPT Country: Kenya SHARE Key Takeaways AI Summary Analyzing article... More than 162 million children across Eastern and Southern Africa are living in places exposed to the strengthening 2026/2027 El Ni o, placing over two-thirds of the region's children at risk from drought, extreme heat, destructive flooding and the humanitarian crises these conditions can trigger. UNICEF says weather forecasts have created a small but vital opportunity to protect families before hunger rises, water sources fail, schools close and preventable diseases spread through communities.
"The threat from El Ni o is growing, and the risks for children are already clear," said Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa. She warned that food and water insecurity, strained health services and disrupted education are already affecting children, leaving families and essential public systems with little capacity to absorb another major climate shock.
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