Malawi: Unicef Warns of Strongest El Niño On Record As $5.54 Million Gap Threatens Malawi's Children

What the report says

UNICEF is warning that Malawi faces serious weather-related risks from what it describes as the strongest El Niño on record, and is urging urgent, flexible funding to support preparedness. According to the report published by Nyasa Times and distributed by AllAfrica, the agency says a $5.54 million funding gap is affecting its plan to protect children and vulnerable families ahead of the October 2026 to March 2027 season.

The article says UNICEF expects erratic rainfall, longer dry spells and some localized flooding, while Malawi is already dealing with crisis-level hunger among millions of people. The agency also says there is a risk of cholera returning. UNICEF representative in Malawi Penelope Campbell said early action would help prevent worsening malnutrition, unsafe water use and interruptions to schooling before conditions deteriorate further.

UNICEF says it is supporting Malawi’s 2026/27 National El Niño Preparedness Plan, which is being led by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs. The plan targets nine high-risk districts and includes nutrition screening, treatment for severely malnourished children, water support, cholera response, temporary learning spaces and mental health services. UNICEF says some supplies are already prepositioned in warehouses, but it still needs most of the $7.61 million required for its preparedness and response effort. The broader context is that El Niño-linked shocks can intensify food insecurity and health risks, especially for children and women.