14 million children at risk as funding cuts threaten nutrition programs-UNICEF

Millions of children worldwide are at risk of severe malnutrition as critical nutrition programs face disruptions due to global funding cuts, UNICEF has warned.

The organization estimates that at least 14 million children could be affected, increasing their vulnerability to severe health complications and even death.

The crisis comes amid growing challenges such as mass displacement, prolonged conflicts, disease outbreaks, and the worsening effects of climate change.

These factors have already strained access to adequate nutrition for children in many parts of the world, exacerbating an already dire situation.

“Over the last decades, we have made impressive progress in reducing child malnutrition globally because of a shared commitment and sustained investment,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on Thursday.

“Since 2000, the number of stunted children under the age of five has fallen by 55 million, and the lives of millions of severely malnourished children have been saved. But steep funding cuts will dramatically reverse these gains and put the lives of millions more children at risk.”

UNICEF has identified 17 high-priority countries where the impact of these funding reductions will be particularly severe.

More than 2.4 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could be left without access to Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in 2025.

In addition, up to 2,300 stabilization centers that provide critical care for children with severe wasting and medical complications could either shut down or significantly reduce their services.

Nearly 28,000 UNICEF-supported outpatient therapeutic centers, which play a vital role in treating malnourished children, are also in danger of closure, with some having already ceased operations.

This funding crisis further threatens maternal health, as the number of pregnant and breastfeeding women and adolescent girls suffering from acute malnutrition has surged from 5.5 million to 6.9 million since 2020.

These numbers are expected to rise unless immediate action is taken.

UNICEF is calling on national governments and donors to increase investments in health and nutrition programs for children.

The organization is urging governments to allocate more funding to domestic nutrition and health services to prevent further deterioration of child health globally.

“Good nutrition is the foundation of child survival and development, with impressive returns on investment. Dividends will be measured in stronger families, societies, and countries, and a more stable world,” said Russell.

To address child and maternal malnutrition over the long term, UNICEF launched the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) in 2023 with support from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Gates Foundation, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.

The organization continues to appeal to governments, partners, and philanthropic donors to support this initiative and other flexible financing options that prioritize the health of children and women.

If immediate action is not taken, millions of children will be left vulnerable, jeopardizing years of progress made in combating child hunger and malnutrition.