Child malnutrition in Uganda’s Karamoja region is expected to rise sharply as food insecurity worsens, Save the Children has warned.
The organisation estimates that the number of children facing acute malnutrition could increase from 122,100 to 154,200.
That represents an increase of around 25%.
Uganda child malnutrition rises in Karamoja
Karamoja is located in northeastern Uganda and is home to around 1.6 million people.
According to Africanews, Save the Children says worsening food insecurity is putting more children at risk.
The organisation estimates that around 38,000 children are experiencing, or are expected to experience, the most severe form of malnutrition.
Those children could require urgent medical attention.
Dry conditions put pressure on food supplies
Dry conditions have added to the challenges facing families in Karamoja.
Save the Children said El Niño-related dry spells have affected children’s health.
Sparse rainfall has also contributed to localised crop failures and stress on vegetation.
As a result, communities that depend heavily on agriculture face growing pressure on food supplies.
Food insecurity worsens in northeastern Uganda
Karamoja has experienced worsening food insecurity in recent months.
The region is particularly vulnerable to drought and irregular rainfall.
Other drought-prone areas of Uganda and East Africa are also facing pressure from difficult weather conditions.
For children, prolonged food shortages can increase the risk of acute malnutrition.
Save the Children’s warning highlights growing concern over access to adequate food and medical care for vulnerable families in northeastern Uganda.