NEW YORK, March 27, 2025 (WAFA) – UNICEF has warned that at least 14 million children worldwide are suffering from malnutrition and facing further disruption to vital food aid, as key international donors, including the United States, reduce their aid budgets.

In response to the crisis, UNICEF urged governments and charitable organizations to contribute to its Child Nutrition Fund to prevent a potential famine from spiraling out of control.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said significant progress has been made regarding the combating of child hunger since the beginning of the century, but cautioned that these gains are at risk of being undone.

"Good nutrition is the foundation of a child's resilience and development, with remarkable returns on investment," Russell said in a statement. "The returns will be measured in stronger families, communities, and nations, contributing to a more stable world."

She also pointed out that the current funding shortfall comes at a time of unprecedented need for children, who are still grappling with record levels of displacement, ongoing and protracted conflicts, disease outbreaks, and the deadly effects of climate change.

M.N