The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Malawi says a funding gap of more than $5 million is threatening its preparedness plan to protect children from the strongest El Niño on record.
In a statement, the organisation has appealed for urgent and flexible funding to ensure supplies and services are in place before drought, flooding and disease affect children.
The warning comes as weather forecasters expect erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells and localised flooding between October 2026 and March 2027.
This is happening at a time when 2.6 million people in Malawi already face crisis levels of hunger, amid fears that cholera could return.
UNICEF Country Representative Doctor Penelope Campbell says the organisation needs $7.61 million for its preparedness and response plan, covering the period from August 2026 to March 2027.
Campbell also indicated that UNICEF has secured only $2.07 million, leaving a 73% funding shortfall.
–ThamoHlengiwe/ChannelAfrica–
