WHO Warns of Drought-Induced Health Crisis

Aug 6 , 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of looming acute hunger in the Horn of Africa. The agency estimates that over 37 million people in the region are experiencing one of the worst famines recorded over the last 70 years. Countries affected include Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Approximately seven million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished in the region. The WHO is appealing for 123.7 million dollars in funding to respond to rising health needs and prevent a food crisis from turning into a health crisis. Last month, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned the drought in Ethiopia's east and south could turn into a full-blown famine without immediate action. The agency says it is facing difficulties in sourcing financing and aid to back its humanitarian operations in the drought-stricken regions. It reports that severe acute malnutrition has risen sharply in these areas. There has been a 47pc increase in the Somali Regional State, according to UNICEF.