Humanitarian Crisis in Southern Africa: A Snapshot as of January 2025

Southern Africa faces a humanitarian crisis due to severe drought, flooding, and disease outbreaks in 2024. Approximately 22 million people require urgent assistance, with 45 million facing food insecurity, leading to malnutrition in over 4 million children. The region has seen significant cholera cases and displacement due to climate effects and conflict, stressing the need for enhanced humanitarian efforts and funding.

In 2024, Southern Africa experienced an array of humanitarian crises, including the worst mid-season dry spell in over a century, floods, and disease outbreaks. Approximately 22 million individuals required urgent humanitarian assistance as the region was severely impacted by a strong El Niño event, resulting in an unprecedented drought and widespread food insecurity. The drought forced several countries including Botswana and Zambia to declare states of national disaster.

Food insecurity severely affected young children, with over 4 million requiring treatment for stunting. Compounding these issues, water scarcity increased the risk of waterborne diseases; the region faced its deadliest cholera outbreak in ten years, with an alarming 70,000 cases and 1,374 related deaths. Other diseases such as mpox and measles also presented additional health challenges in the region.

Multiple tropical storms and cyclones resulted in considerable destruction across Southern Africa, displacing thousands and impacting around 610,000 individuals. Major cyclones included Tropical Cyclone Belal in January 2024 and Tropical Cyclone Chido in December, which affected Madagascar and neighboring nations. As a result of continuous climate shocks and conflicts, the region is currently home to 829,000 internally displaced individuals and 676,000 refugees.

Humanitarian organizations responded by increasing their support, advocacy efforts, and resource mobilization strategies. Life-saving actions and anticipatory programs were executed, and numerous Flash Appeals were initiated for Malawi, Mozambique, and other affected nations. Despite these efforts, ongoing funding shortages have significantly hampered response capacities, posing challenges to tackling the crises effectively.

The humanitarian situation in Southern Africa as of January 2025 has been described as dire, stemming from multiple factors such as climate change and ensuing conflicts. A strong El Niño event led to the worst drought on record, which combined with flooding and cyclonic activities, exacerbated existing vulnerabilities among populations. Food insecurity and health crises have created an urgent need for humanitarian assistance, reflecting broader systemic issues within the region.

In summary, Southern Africa grapples with significant humanitarian challenges, driven by climate shocks, health crises, and economic difficulties. The number of individuals needing assistance continues to rise, highlighting the critical role of humanitarian partnerships and funding in addressing these ongoing crises. As the situation unfolds, the need for sustained support and effective response strategies remains paramount.

Original Source: reliefweb.int