The United Nations, alongside its partners, has launched a $136 million flash appeal to support Malawi amid a severe drought crisis. This urgent funding aims to provide lifesaving assistance to 3.8 million people who have been severely affected by prolonged dry spells.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, announced the appeal during a daily briefing on Wednesday. Malawi, a landlocked nation in southeastern Africa, declared a drought disaster in March as extended dry periods devastated crops and crippled food production.
With the upcoming lean season from October through March, an estimated 5.7 million Malawians, which accounts for more than a quarter of the country's population, are expected to face significant food insecurity. This makes Malawi one of six countries in southern Africa grappling with state of disaster declarations due to drought.
Since December 2023, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated nearly $37 million to address El Niño-induced drought across the region, with Malawi receiving $2 million of that total. The funds will be crucial in delivering essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies to those in need, helping to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing drought.
The global community's swift response is vital to ensure that millions in Malawi do not suffer the worst impacts of this natural disaster. The UN's appeal underscores the urgent need for international support to stabilize the region and promote long-term resilience against future climatic challenges.
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UN launches $136 million flash appeal for drought-hit Malawi
cgtn.com
