On Thursday, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced in a report that 181 million (equivalent to 27 percent) of children under five years old globally are struggling with severe food insecurity. The UNICEF report, based on research conducted in approximately 100 low- and middle-income countries, defines severe food insecurity as consuming none or, at best, two out of eight food groups recognized by this UN agency on a daily basis. In this context, the Associated Press reported on this global crisis, particularly in Africa. According to the report, armed conflicts, climate change, and rising prices are three major factors exacerbating food insecurity among children under five in this continent. The UNICEF report indicates that Africa is home to one-third of all children affected by this issue. Additionally, 13 out of the 20 countries with the highest number of hungry children are located in Africa. However, the UNICEF report also shows progress in reducing the crisis of severe food insecurity in Africa. According to the report, severe food insecurity in West and Central Africa has decreased from 42 percent to 32 percent over the past decade. In the absence of nutritious food, children with a 'very weak' diet face a very dangerous form of malnutrition known as 'wasting.' Harriet Torles, one of the report's producers, told the Associated Press that children suffering from 'wasting' are 12 times more likely to die from malnutrition than other children. The Associated Press also briefly examined several African countries grappling with severe food insecurity, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Sudan, as well as UNICEF's educational programs to combat it. The increase in the prevalence of cholera and dengue fever in East Sudan; the UN states that besides poverty and conflict, climate change is to blame. Climate change has exacerbated drought in East Africa. At least 100 people died in an explosion at an illegal refinery in Nigeria. The 2018 report from the 'Save the Children' organization: which countries are the best and worst for children?
UN: One Quarter of Children Under Five Worldwide Suffer from 'Severe Food Insecurity'
UNICEF reports that 181 million children under five worldwide are facing severe food insecurity, with Africa being significantly affected due to armed conflicts, climate change, and rising prices. Despite the crisis, there have been improvements in reducing severe food insecurity in parts of Africa over the past decade. This issue highlights the urgent need for international attention and action to protect vulnerable children.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
UNICEF reported that 181 million children under five are facing severe food insecurity, with Africa being the most affected region due to various crises. The report emphasizes the need for urgent action to combat this growing issue.
- 27% of children under five worldwide suffer from severe food insecurity.
- Africa accounts for one-third of all affected children, with armed conflicts and climate change as major contributing factors.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Severe food insecurity is defined as a lack of access to adequate nutrition, which can lead to malnutrition and increased mortality rates among children. This issue is exacerbated by factors like poverty, conflict, and climate change.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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