Southern Africa’s Humanitarian Crisis: A Snapshot as of January 2025

In 2024, Southern Africa grappled with severe humanitarian crises fueled by extreme weather events and conflicts, leaving 22 million in dire need of assistance and 45 million facing food insecurity. The situation resulted in high rates of child malnutrition and significant disease outbreaks. Countries declared national disasters while humanitarian efforts expanded despite persistent funding challenges.

In 2024, Southern Africa faced dire humanitarian challenges due to the worst mid-season dry spell in over a century, compounded by floods, cyclones, disease outbreaks, economic downturns, and conflicts. Approximately 22 million individuals required urgent humanitarian assistance, with 45 million suffering from significant food insecurity across the region. Countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe declared national disasters in response to the drought’s impacts. Widespread malnutrition particularly affected over 4 million children under five, necessitating urgent intervention.

The region’s situation deteriorated largely due to a potent El Niño event, leading to unprecedented drought conditions and subsequent flooding in Tanzania. The culmination of these climate crises exacerbated food insecurity, leading to malnutrition and increased health risks associated with limited access to clean water. Furthermore, four tropical storms/cyclones triggered destruction, causing thousands to be displaced and impacting around 610,000 individuals across multiple nations.

The humanitarian response included mobilizing resources and implementing life-saving activities through various Flash Appeals across affected countries. Nonetheless, funding shortages presented significant challenges to these efforts. Urgent action is required to address the escalating humanitarian needs as the region grapples with climate and economic shocks alongside ongoing conflicts.

Original Source: reliefweb.int