WHO says 60 million people will face food problems in Africa

World Health Organisation director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus has expressed concern over imminent food insecurity in the Horn of Africa due to the climate crisis.

Mr Ghebreyesus said during an online news conference that the climate crisis is a major factor determining human health outcomes. 

He added that the climate crisis, which prolonged drought in the greater Horn of Africa, has already driven a wave of hunger, migration and

disease, putting a major strain on health services. 

“This year, nearly 60 million people will face food insecurity across the greater Horn of Africa, which includes Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. Over the coming months, we expect a range of extreme weather events, including drought, flood, hurricane, and heat wave, all of which harm human health,” explained Mr Ghebreyesus.

The WHO chief added, “El Niño, which has now been announced by the World Meteorological Organisation, together with global warming, is already driving record temperatures.”

He also mentioned that on June 3, the world recorded its hottest day ever on record.  

(NAN)