The UNICEF says about 7.5 million children in Africa’s Central Sahel urgently need humanitarian aid, warning the crisis is largely overlooked globally.
Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban raised the alarm after visiting Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, citing insecurity, climate shocks, and economic hardship as major threats to children.
Recent violence in Mali highlights ongoing dangers, with thousands displaced and children exposed to killings, abduction, and recruitment by armed groups. Over 8,400 schools were also inaccessible in 2025.
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Despite the crisis, governments are making progress—boosting education, healthcare, immunisation, and birth registration—while communities show resilience.
UNICEF, however, urged the global community to act quickly, stressing that children’s resilience should not justify inaction.
NAN