The ongoing drought conditions in the country, caused by the 2023-24 El Niño phenomenon, are affecting more than 20 million people. Of these individuals, over 2 million are experiencing food insecurity as a result of the crisis.
The impact of El Niño is expected to lead to 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.
As a consequence of the drought-induced food insecurity, there is a significant risk of malnutrition and wasting cases. In 2024, more than 5,000 cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) were reported, representing a significant increase from the previous year. Additionally, there is a concerning prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) in provinces affected by drought.
Immediate action and interventions are necessary to address the heightened risk of malnutrition and food insecurity in the affected regions. It is crucial for governments and organizations to work together to ensure that those most vulnerable receive the support they need during this time of crisis.
In conclusion, the recent analysis by WFP on Drought Hotspots highlights the urgent need for immediate action and interventions to address the ongoing drought conditions that are affecting more than 20 million people in the country. With rising food insecurity and malnutrition rates, it is imperative that we take action now to prevent this crisis from worsening further.
