Emergencies
Responding to children’s needs during natural disasters and pandemics
The challenge
Zambia has a long history of natural disasters, particularly droughts, which have occurred in the years 1987/88, 1991/92, 1994/95, 1997/98, 2001/03, 2004/05, 2011/12, 2015/16, 2018/19, and 2023/24. These droughts have struck the country approximately every 4 to 5 years, and their frequency is increasing due to climate change. Following each drought, the onset of the rainy season often brings seasonal flash floods.
Additionally, each rainy season brings the threat of cholera outbreaks. One of the most severe outbreaks in Zambia's history began in Lusaka in October 2023, resulting in over 23,378 reported cases and 740 deaths. Since 1977, Zambia has experienced more than 30 cholera outbreaks, highlighting the persistent and recurring nature of this public health challenge. Moreover, ongoing instability in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the arrival of refugees, most notably in 2017 and 2018, when around 10,000 individuals sought shelter in Nchelenge district.
UNICEF has a long history of emergency response, including in Zambia, and remains ready to support the Government of the Republic of Zambia, children, and communities in addressing these multifaceted challenges.
Situation in Numbers
- 12,200,000 people affected by drought:
- 6.600,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance
- Over 3,000,000 children under 18 and 1,200,000 children under 5 years are facing prolonged food insecurity:
- 23,378 cumulative cholera cases with 740 deaths:
- 1 reported case of Mpox through the Zambia National Public Health Institute.
The impact on children
Children caught up in emergencies are among the most in danger of being left behind and having their normal development interrupted.
Children may account for 50 to 60 per cent of those affected by any emergency in Zambia.
As well as the immediate threats to their survival, emergencies threaten children’s mental health and long-term well-being. A crisis can threaten their sense of security – a fundamental part of childhood – particularly when they experience things no child should experience. They become vulnerable to trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse, while their future prospects are disrupted by the loss of education, health care and economic opportunities.
The solution
UNICEF is present on the ground before, during, and after emergencies, working tirelessly to reach children and families with lifesaving aid and long-term assistance. Our goal is to restore a sense of normalcy for children affected by crises.
Immediate and Long-Term Support:
UNICEF prioritizes the protection of children during emergencies, aiming to meet their immediate needs while safeguarding their long-term well-being. In every humanitarian crisis, we collaborate with partners to meet children’s immediate needs for protection, health care, adequate nutrition, and access to education, as well as clean water. For instance, in response to the 2024 cholera outbreak centered in Lusaka, UNICEF supported the provision of clean water, disinfected wells, and conducted door-to-door campaigns in communities and schools to promote good hygiene practices.
Support for Refugee Arrivals:
To address the needs of recent refugee arrivals, UNICEF works with the Government, the Commissioner for Refugees, and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Zambia. Our support spans various areas, including education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, and child protection.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR):
UNICEF's disaster risk reduction programmes actively work to prevent humanitarian crises by strengthening vulnerable communities before disasters strike. Through DRR initiatives, communities in flood-prone, drought-susceptible, and climate-impacted regions have developed critical resilience skills and infrastructure. This proactive approach has transformed potential catastrophes into manageable challenges, reducing both human and economic costs when natural hazards occur. As a result, communities are better equipped to protect themselves, maintain essential services, and recover more quickly from environmental threats.
