The United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) has called for urgent funding to support women and children in Malawi as the country braces for what meteorologists predict could be the strongest El Niño on record. Unicef Representative in Malawi Penelope Campbell says early intervention is critical to protecting children before the situation deteriorates. Malawi is expected to experience erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and localised flooding between October 2026 and March 2027.
Unicef warns that millions of children in Malawi and neighbouring countries could face increased risks of hunger, malnutrition, cholera, and disruptions to education. Reduced food availability and poor diets can increase cases of severe malnutrition among young children, while repeated diarrhoea can further expose them to life-threatening complications. Campbell emphasises that acting early is better value, as every $1 spent on reducing disaster risk saves up to $15 in recovery costs.
Unicef's preparedness and response plan for Malawi includes screening 571,323 young children for malnutrition and treating 17,831 children with severe malnutrition. The organisation aims to directly reach 958,172 people in nine high-risk districts. However, Unicef says it needs $7.61 million to implement its plan between August 2026 and March 2027. So far, Unicef has secured $2.07 million, leaving a funding gap of $5.54 million.
The nine high-risk districts targeted by Unicef are Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Machinga, Mulanje, Mwanza, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, and Phalombe. Unicef's interventions also include keeping water safe and keeping children learning before roads are cut off and before needs peak. The organisation warns that damaged or flooded schools can disrupt learning for weeks, while hunger and displacement can expose children to violence, exploitation, child labour, and early marriages.
Unicef's Campbell stresses that waiting for the situation to deteriorate would cost more in money, children's lives, and futures. She adds that flexible support now lets Unicef prevent harm, not just respond to it. Every $1 invested in nutrition returns about $23, according to Unicef. The organisation is urging donors to provide urgent funding to support its efforts.
The effects of El Niño in Malawi are expected to be severe, with erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells likely to impact food security and livelihoods. Unicef's warning comes as Malawi faces a range of challenges, including a widening trade deficit and power outages. The organisation's efforts to mitigate the impact of El Niño will focus on supporting the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Unicef's call for urgent funding comes as the organisation faces a significant funding gap. The $5.54 million shortfall represents 73 percent of the required resources. Unicef is working with partners to respond to the crisis, but more support is needed to ensure that children and women in Malawi receive the assistance they need.
Key points
- Unicef needs $7.61 million to implement its preparedness and response plan in Malawi.
- The organisation has secured $2.07 million, leaving a funding gap of $5.54 million.
- Unicef aims to directly reach 958,172 people in nine high-risk districts.
