The United Nations and its partners have launched a flash appeal seeking over $136 million to assist millions of people affected by the severe drought in Malawi. The funds aim to provide lifesaving assistance to 3.8 million individuals who are struggling due to prolonged dry spells that have devastated crops and hampered food production.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, announced the appeal during a daily briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the drought has left an estimated 5.7 million people—more than a quarter of Malawi’s population—facing food insecurity during the upcoming lean season from October through March.
Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, declared a drought disaster in March after experiencing significant agricultural losses. The drought is part of a wider crisis affecting six countries in southern Africa that have declared states of disaster due to extreme weather conditions.
Since December 2023, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated nearly $37 million to UN agencies responding to El Niño-induced droughts in several countries in the region, with $2 million directed to Malawi. The new appeal aims to bolster these efforts and prevent a deepening humanitarian crisis.
International support is critical at this juncture to ensure that affected communities receive essential aid, including food, water, and agricultural assistance. The UN and its partners are calling on the global community to step up contributions to help Malawi navigate this challenging period.
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UN launches $136 million flash appeal for drought-hit Malawi
cgtn.com
