1 in 4 children globally live in severe child food poverty due to inequity, conflict, and climate crises

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Around 181 million children worldwide under 5 years of age – or 1 in 4 – are experiencing severe child food poverty, making them up to 50 per cent more likely to experience wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition, a new UNICEF report reveals today.

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    You can save a life

    Even a small donation can help save the life of a child who needs treatment for malnutrition.

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    Help in emergency situations

    UNICEF's actions reach millions of child victims of war with drinking water, psychosocial support, health services, education and hygiene kits.

    Afghanistan 2024
    Over the 181 million children living in severe food poverty

    Children in severe child food poverty consume only two of eight defined food groups, often limited to breastmilk/milk and a starchy staple like rice, maize, or wheat. Less than 10% of these children eat fruits and vegetables, and fewer than 5% consume nutrient-dense foods like eggs, fish, poultry, or meat. "Children living in severe food poverty face a harsh reality that can irreversibly impact their survival, growth, and brain development," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. This crisis is exacerbated by rising inequities, conflicts, and the climate crisis, pushing food prices to record highs. Of the 181 million children affected, 65% are in 20 countries, with the majority in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. In Somalia, 63% of children suffer from severe food poverty, with many going entire days without food.

    famine in Gaza
    WAR IN GAZA

    Since 7 October 2023, over 14,000 children have been killed and thousands more injured. Without immediate lifesaving support, which is desperately close across the border, more children will die as Gaza edges on the brink of famine. Children in Gaza are starving. Deprived of essential food, clean water and health care, they are wasting away, and this is on top of being exposed to deeply distressing events and trauma marked by widespread destruction, relentless attacks and displacement. Now is not the time to look away. 9 out of 10 children in the Gaza Strip are experiencing severe food poverty, surviving on two or fewer food groups per day. This is evidence of the horrific impact the conflict and restrictions are having on families’ ability to meet children’s food needs – and the speed at which it places children at risk of life-threatening malnutrition.

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    Ukraine War and Child Malnutrition: A Crisis in MENA

    With ongoing conflicts, political instability, and the war in Ukraine, the region faces unprecedented food price hikes and low purchasing power, increasing child malnutrition risks. Nearly two-thirds of Ukraine’s children have been forced to flee their homes, many unaccompanied. The fear, anxiety, and grief from violence, loss, separation, and displacement impact their daily lives, leaving them struggling to cope. In the MENA region, only 36% of young children receive adequate diets, with high rates of undernutrition. For example, in Yemen, 45% of children are stunted, while in Sudan, 13.6% suffer from wasting. UNICEF, with partners, provides lifesaving treatment and preventive nutrition services, calling for urgent action to prevent a malnutrition crisis and support children in need.

     

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    The continuity of services is essential

    We are very grateful for any and all donations we receive. However, monthly donations are what allow us to continue our long-term programmes to help the most vulnerable children, as well as being our greatest help in emergencies, as they guarantee quick action to save lives.

    You can help us bring hope to the most difficult places and care for those who need it most.

    Your gift can make a big difference for children in Greece and worldwide.

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    The impact on children's lives

    Response in Gaza UNI458622

    Emergency Response:

    UNICEF responds to an average of 300 humanitarian emergencies each year, providing assistance to millions of children and families affected by crises.


    In 2020 alone, UNICEF reached over 78 million people with humanitarian assistance, including essential supplies like food, water, shelter, and healthcare.


    UNICEF's emergency response efforts have helped vaccinate millions of children against diseases like measles and polio in crisis-affected areas.

    Health

    Health:

    UNICEF provides vaccines to approximately 45% of the world's children, preventing an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths annually.
    Each year, UNICEF helps treat approximately 3.4 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, saving countless lives.
    UNICEF assists in training over 500,000 health workers globally, improving access to essential healthcare services for children and families in underserved areas.

    Education

    Education:

    UNICEF supports education for millions of children in over 150 countries, including providing learning materials for around 88 million children annually.
    Through initiatives like the Schools for Africa program, UNICEF has helped to build or refurbish over 23,000 classrooms and trained more than 260,000 teachers.
    In emergency situations, UNICEF establishes temporary learning spaces, reaching approximately 4.5 million children affected by conflicts or disasters each year.

     

    Child protection

    Protection:

    UNICEF assists over 40 million children annually who are affected by conflict or humanitarian crises, providing essential protection services and support.
    UNICEF-supported child protection systems have helped reunite over 200,000 separated children with their families.
    Each year, UNICEF provides psychosocial support to around 4 million children affected by emergencies, helping them cope with trauma and build resilience.

    Therapeutic food

    Nutrition:

    UNICEF supports nutrition programs in over 80 countries, reaching approximately 22 million children with treatment for acute malnutrition each year.
    Through initiatives like the Global Breastfeeding Collective, UNICEF promotes breastfeeding as a lifesaving intervention, potentially saving over 820,000 children's lives annually.
    UNICEF's nutrition interventions have contributed to significant reductions in child stunting rates in many countries, improving long-term health outcomes for millions of children.

    Ramadan 2024

    Water and Sanitation:

    UNICEF provides access to safe water for around 45 million people annually, including vulnerable children and families in rural and urban areas.
    Each year, UNICEF helps build or rehabilitate around 60,000 water points and over 35,000 sanitation facilities in communities worldwide.
    UNICEF's water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs reach over 100 million people each year, improving health and hygiene practices and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

    Why UNICEF

    Mental Health

    90+ million lives impacted

    UNICEF saves more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization.

    Child Protection

    In Greece and Worldwide

    Being active in 190 countries and territories allows us to build up our local presence, and foster the relationships needed to drive results in communities.

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    Making every donation go further

    With UNICEF, you know your donation is safe & secure. Your contribution is supporting the children that need it the most in Greece and worldwide.