The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warns that climate anomalies caused by ‘El Niño’ will pose a serious threat to children in 100 countries worldwide from October to December 2026.
Why it matters Extreme wet or dry weather conditions increase the likelihood of floods and droughts, directly threatening the lives, health, and education of hundreds of millions of children.
By the numbers, by region According to UNICEF forecasts, the 347 million children at risk are distributed as follows:
190 million — Asia and the Pacific region (the most affected region)
41 million — Eastern and Southern Africa
41 million — Latin America and the Caribbean
22 million — Europe and Central Asia
20 million — Middle East and North Africa
20 million — Western and Central Africa
