El Niño’s fury threatens Zim’s children: UNICEF Appeals for $84.9 Million

Mabel Khumalo

Zimbabwe’s children face a devastating humanitarian crisis due to El Niño-induced drought. UNICEF urges immediate action with a USD $84.9 million appeal to provide lifesaving interventions for 1.34 million people, including 866,000 children.

“We are particularly concerned about the vulnerability of children in this current emergency,” said Dr. Nicolas Alipui, UNICEF Zimbabwe Representative. “Decreased access to clean water and poor diet heightens the risk of malnutrition and diarrheal diseases among children and impacts on their rights to education and protection with the full impact of these intersecting factors expected to manifest only later. Hence the need for a front facing preventive strategy to avert excess deaths in the months to come.”
Water scarcity is a major concern. Dr. Alipui highlighted the dangers: “Water scarcity could lead to more health and nutritional problems in communities.” Reduced access to clean water and poor diet put children at risk of malnutrition and diarrheal diseases. This disrupts education and protection, with long-term consequences expected.

Children bear the brunt of El Niño’s impact, which includes disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and increased waterborne illnesses. UNICEF calls for swift action to mitigate the drought’s effect and protect children’s health, education, and well-being.

“The funding will help mitigate child morbidity and mortality, prevent malnutrition and provide treatment, enhance water access, ensure continuous learning for children, and protect children against abuse and exploitation,” stressed Dr. Alipui. “It will also help strengthen the resilience of households to deal with the crisis.”

UNICEF’s appeal prioritizes collaboration with the government to ensure continued access to essential services. These include healthcare, water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, education, and child protection.
The effects of the current drought are expected to have a lasting impact on child nutrition into the next year as household food reserves are severely depleted. Continued international support will be crucial in the coming months to address the long-term consequences for Zimbabwe’s children and vulnerable local citizens.