In brief
A looming crisis in Africa could see two million children facing severe malnutrition due to a shortage of essential therapeutic food supplies. UNICEF warns immediate action is needed.
A dire situation is unfolding in Africa as nearly two million children face life-threatening malnutrition due to dwindling supplies of an essential treatment known as ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has sounded an alarm, highlighting that countries like Mali, Nigeria, Niger, and Chad have already depleted their supplies or are dangerously close to doing so, with another eight nations likely to run out by mid-2025. RUTF, a vital peanut-based, nutrient-rich product, is a cornerstone in treating severe acute malnutrition, a "silent killer" affecting 19 million children globally. This condition, exacerbated by factors including poor prenatal nutrition, lack of clean water, and disease, leaves children vulnerable with stunted growth and weakened immune defenses.While UNICEF and other organizations manage to reach many children, current supplies cover only 73% of those in need. This shortage is compounded by the relentless impact of climate change, war, and economic instability, which disrupt global supply chains and exacerbate food insecurity. UNICEF, having raised $933 million since 2022, urgently seeks an additional $165 million in donations to circumvent this crisis. Immediate intervention is crucial to refill RUTF stocks and prevent a humanitarian disaster across Africa.
