The El Niño event of 2023-24 has caused drought conditions in the country, affecting over 20 million people. This has led to a crisis or stressed outcomes through September 2024, with some areas experiencing a worsening crisis by August due to issues with harvests and food insecurity. The impact of this food insecurity is expected to lead to a high number of wasting cases, potentially resulting in a food crisis.
There has been a steady increase in wasting admissions, with over 5,000 cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) being reported in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. There is also a high proxy-prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) in provinces affected by drought. These conditions pose serious health risks for those affected, highlighting the urgent need for action and support.
The WFP Drought Hotspot Analysis reveals the severity of the situation and underscores the importance of addressing the needs of those affected by the current drought conditions. It is crucial that governments and organizations come together to provide assistance and support to help mitigate the impact of El Niño on food production and food security.