War in Ukraine. Hunger worldwide.

Drought, sandstorms and hunger are threatening the lives of millions of people. Some regions are currently experiencing the worst drought in four decades, as it has not rained there in years. The situation is especially dangerous for vulnerable parts of the population, which includes children. Many are suffering from severe acute malnutrition and are on the verge of death unless they receive immediate help.

This already precarious food situation in Afghanistan, Yemen and large parts of Africa is being drastically exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. The Black Sea basin, including Ukraine and Russia, is considered the breadbasket of the world and is one of the most important areas for grain and agricultural production. Due to the war, both the production and export of food is now severely limited. The consequences are already visible: many basic foodstuffs have massively increased in price, making them unaffordable for the bitterly poor population.

But there are also other reasons for the rise in hunger. Climate change is one key contributor, but poverty is a driving force as well. Another cause is diseases such as cholera, malaria, HIV/AIDS and, last but not least, the COVID-19 pandemic. The latter is also having an economic impact that has exacerbated acute food insecurity, particularly in fragile economies.

Together with its humanitarian partners, such as the World Food Programme and IOM, UNICEF is fully preparing for increasing food insecurity in poor countries that are dependent on food imports, as well as for growing child poverty in countries with the closest economic ties to Russia and Ukraine. 

Combating hunger is a foundation for stability and peace. It is possible to provide targeted aid in the form of special food that quickly restores children’s strength. In the long term, with your help, UNICEF can support health facilities and medical personnel.

• Food: Severe malnutrition quickly results in death from starvation, especially among infants. That is why we provide therapeutic milk and peanut paste to countless starving children in affected countries. Thanks to this special food, children are able to regain their strength.
• Drinking water: Together with you, we are providing safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people in countries such as South Sudan and Somalia. Clean water is essential for survival and provides protection against numerous life-threatening diseases.
• Medicines: We deliver hygiene items and medicines to millions of families and children in various countries in Africa, helping to contain diseases such as cholera and other severe diarrheal illnesses.