El Niño: UNICEF seeks $5.54 million for Malawi
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nyasa Times
UNICEF is seeking $5.54 million more to protect Malawian children from an El Niño episode forecast to be the most intense ever recorded. Around 2.6 million people already face acute hunger, while irregular rains, droughts and floods are expected from October 2026 to March 2027, according to the agency.
UNICEF is seeking an additional $5.54 million to fund Malawi’s preparations for the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to cause irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts and localised flooding between October 2026 and March 2027. The appeal was launched by the UN agency on Tuesday 3 November, which said its plan is only 27% funded.
Around 2.6 million people are already facing levels of hunger corresponding to a crisis situation, according to UNICEF. The agency also warns of a possible return of cholera and worsening malnutrition, with children and women particularly exposed. In the event of severe drought, up to six million additional people could need humanitarian assistance by the 2028 lean season.
The 2026-2027 national El Niño preparedness plan, led by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, targets 958,172 people in nine high-risk districts. It includes screening 571,323 young children, treating 17,831 cases of severe malnutrition, providing access to drinking water for 460,000 people and responding to cholera for 119,309 people. Temporary learning spaces are also due to accommodate 20,000 children.
UNICEF estimates its needs for preparedness and response between August 2026 and March 2027 at $7.61 million, but has received only $2.07 million. Its representative in Malawi, Penelope Campbell, said early funding would make it possible to screen and treat malnutrition, secure water supplies and maintain learning before roads become impassable. The agency says that every dollar spent on disaster risk reduction can save up to $15. The request comes as the World Food Programme announced a reduction in its food assistance to Malawi on 27 October planned food assistance for Malawi.
