UNICEF Warns of Looming Crisis: 14 Million Children at Risk of Malnutrition and Death
The Crisis Unfolds
At least 14 million children face hunger and a heightened risk of malnutrition or death this year, according to UNICEF’s latest warning. The agency has sounded the alarm as major international donors like the United States slash aid budgets, putting the lives of millions of children at risk.
UNICEF’s Plea for Action
UNICEF is urging governments and philanthropic institutions to contribute to its Child Nutrition Fund to head off a wave of starvation. The organization’s executive director, Catherine Russell, emphasized the importance of good nutrition in child survival and development, citing impressive returns on investment.
"Good nutrition is the foundation of child survival and development, with impressive returns on investment," she said. "Dividends will be measured in stronger families, societies, and countries, and a more stable world."
Funding Cuts Threaten Progress
Since US President Donald Trump returned to office, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gutted the USAID agency. A judge has ordered a halt to the effort, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that USAID is cancelling 83 percent of its programs from its budget of $42 billion. Other major donor countries, such as Britain, have recently cut or frozen international aid as they seek to control deficits while boosting defense spending.
Consequences of Funding Cuts
The funding crisis will have severe consequences. 2.4 million children suffering from acute malnutrition will miss out on UNICEF’s "ready-to-use therapeutic food" for the rest of the year. Up to 2,300 centers providing critical care for kids facing starvation could close, and 28,000 UNICEF-supported feeding centers are also at risk.
A World in Crisis
The funding crisis comes at a time of unprecedented need for children who continue to face record levels of displacement, new and protracted conflicts, disease outbreaks, and the deadly consequences of climate change. UNICEF is calling on governments and philanthropic institutions to contribute to its Child Nutrition Fund to mitigate the crisis.
Conclusion
The world is facing an unprecedented crisis, and the consequences of inaction will be devastating. It is essential that governments and philanthropic institutions work together to address this crisis and ensure that the world’s most vulnerable children receive the support they need to survive and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the extent of the crisis?
A: At least 14 million children face hunger and a heightened risk of malnutrition or death this year.
Q: What is the cause of the crisis?
A: Major international donors like the United States are slashing aid budgets, putting the lives of millions of children at risk.
Q: What is UNICEF doing to address the crisis?
A: UNICEF is urging governments and philanthropic institutions to contribute to its Child Nutrition Fund to head off a wave of starvation.
Q: What are the consequences of the funding cuts?
A: 2.4 million children will miss out on UNICEF’s "ready-to-use therapeutic food" for the rest of the year, and up to 2,300 centers providing critical care for kids facing starvation could close.