El Niño-induced Drought Leaves Over 20 Million at Risk of Malnutrition and Food Insecurity in [Country]

Over 20 million people in the country are currently facing drought conditions caused by the 2023-24 El Niño phenomenon, according to a recent analysis by WFP on Drought Hotspots. Out of this population, over 2 million individuals are experiencing food insecurity as a result.

The impact of El Niño-induced food insecurity is projected to result in a high number of wasting cases, with a notable increase in admissions for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). More than 5,000 cases of SAM were reported in 2024, representing a significant rise from the previous year. Moreover, there is a concerning prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) in provinces affected by drought.

As a consequence of El Niño, it is anticipated that there will be Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes in various regions until September 2024. Some areas may even escalate to Crisis status by August due to challenges with harvests and increasing food insecurity.

In light of these developments, there is a growing concern about the potential food crisis that could emerge as a consequence of the ongoing drought conditions and their impact on food production. Immediate action and interventions are crucial to address the heightened risk of malnutrition and food insecurity in the affected regions.