Malnutrition Crisis Worsens in Southern Africa

Climate change and the El Nino phenomenon have led to severe food insecurity and malnutrition crises in various African countries. In Zimbabwe, over 7.6 million people, especially children, urgently require humanitarian aid due to escalating malnutrition levels. The situation is exacerbated by economic instability, drought, and ongoing health emergencies like cholera and polio. Similarly, in northeast Nigeria, displacement caused by insecurity and economic shocks has resulted in alarming levels of acute malnutrition, affecting children the most. The International Rescue Committee highlights a significant rise in malnutrition cases, attributing it to rising food prices and attacks by armed groups. Moreover, in Afghanistan, poverty is identified as the main cause of malnutrition, with families facing challenges accessing adequate healthcare and specialized treatment for children. The World Food Program reports that millions of Afghans, including a significant number of children, suffer from severe malnutrition, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation in the country.