Alarming situation regarding food insecurity.

The record food insecurity situation in the Horn of Africa is worsening, with an estimated 60 million people in need of urgent assistance.

Approximately 5 million children under the age of 5 faced acute malnutrition in 2023 in the core region of the Horn of Africa. (Source: wfp)

United Nations humanitarian agencies argue that climate change, armed conflict, high food prices, and the economic downturn following the Covid-19 pandemic have contributed to food insecurity in the Horn of Africa.

Liesbeth Aelbrecht, WHO 's emergency manager for the Horn of Africa, said: "It is estimated that around 5 million children under the age of 5 will face acute malnutrition by 2023 in the core of the Horn of Africa. That's around 10.4 million for the whole region, which is truly staggering."

In a joint statement on June 27, United Nations humanitarian agencies warned that climate concerns are a key issue for food security in the coming months.

Forecasts indicate that El Niño weather patterns have emerged and will increase for the remainder of the year, potentially leading to above-average rainfall during the monsoon season from October to December across eastern parts of the Horn of Africa, including much of Kenya, the Somali region of Ethiopia, and Somalia.

According to United Nations figures, 60 million people are facing severe food insecurity, including more than 15 million women of reproductive age, 5.6 million adolescent girls, and nearly 1.1 million pregnant women. Of these, nearly 360,000 are expected to give birth in the next three months.

The United Nations states that malnutrition in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers puts unborn and nursing children at risk of malnutrition, and this malnutrition can have an impact throughout their entire life. Malnourished mothers are also less able to cope with pregnancy complications, putting them at a higher risk of losing their child.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/sung-chau-phi-bao-dong-tinh-trang-mat-an-ninh-luong-thuc-232792.html