Drought has affected more than 20 million people in the country, according to a recent analysis by WFP on Drought Hotspots. The 2023-24 El Niño phenomenon has caused drought conditions that are putting millions of individuals at risk of food insecurity. Out of this population, over 2 million individuals are currently experiencing food insecurity as a result.
El Niño is expected to have significant consequences for various regions until September 2024, with some areas potentially escalating to Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes. The impact of El Niño-induced food insecurity is projected to result in a high number of wasting cases and an 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. Additionally, there is a concerning prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) in provinces affected by drought.
The potential food crisis that could emerge as a consequence of the ongoing drought conditions and their impact on food production is causing growing concern among stakeholders. Immediate action and interventions are crucial to address the heightened risk of malnutrition and food insecurity in the affected regions. It is essential to take steps to mitigate the effects of El Niño and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to adequate nutrition and support during these challenging times.
