Sacks of emergency food supplies at a supply depot in Adama, Ethiopia

Nearly 1 million children in Eastern and
Southern Africa suffer from severe
malnutrition caused in part by
conditions related to the El Niño climate
phenomenon, according to a United
Nations briefing.
El Niño , a climate phenomenon
characterized by elevated temperatures
in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean, affects
global weather patterns bringing
torrential storms to some regions and
crippling drought to others. Parts of
Africa fall within the drought-stricken
area. The lack of rainfall has in turn
contributed to food insecurity in the
region.
“The El Niño weather phenomenon will
wane, but the cost to children—many
who were already living hand-to-mouth
—will be felt for years to come,” said
Leila Gharagozloo-Pakkala, UNICEF
Regional Director for Eastern and