The United Nations Children’s Fund has launched an urgent appeal for approximately $1.89 billion to provide crucial assistance to over 24 million children in West and Central Africa in 2024.

The appeal comes as the region continues to grapple with humanitarian needs, mainly due to conflicts in Central Sahel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the displacement of people into Chad resulting from the war in Sudan.

UNICEF Regional Director, Felicité Tchibindat, stressed the critical nature of the humanitarian crises affecting children in West and Central Africa.

She noted, “West and Central Africa are home to several critically underfunded emergencies, representing some of the most neglected humanitarian crises globally for children.”

The appeal aims to reach approximately 24.1 million children in 2024, an increase from 23.5 million in 2023.

The funding will address various vital aspects, including lifesaving nutrition supplies, clean water, education, child protection services, and humanitarian cash transfers for households.

Over a third of the funding is dedicated to combating malnutrition, particularly the high prevalence of wasting in children under five, especially in Sahel countries.

Tchibindat highlighted the emergency levels of child wasting in areas such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and northwest Nigeria.

She emphasized the urgency of addressing the pressing needs of children in these regions.