UNICEF has issued a stark warning that nearly 52,000 children under the age of five in Zambia are at risk of severe acute malnutrition, the most dangerous form of malnutrition, over the next twelve months if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
According to the United Nations, this assessment comes at a time when Zambia is suffering from prolonged drought, particularly affecting provinces in the west, south, central, and northwestern regions.
Four out of every ten areas in Zambia are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, with many families already facing hunger and unable to provide nutritious food.
UNICEF has called for immediate actions to ensure food distribution and cash assistance for mothers and children, expanding access to healthcare, and improving health and sanitation services.
Zambia officially declared the ongoing drought a “national disaster” that has devastated the agricultural sector.
President Hakainde Hichilema stated that the agricultural sector has been severely affected by inadequate rainfall, with Zambia not experiencing rain for weeks, a critical need for farmers.
