UNICEF warned on September 1 that more than 162 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa are exposed to the impacts of the strengthening El Niño phenomenon for the 2026-2027 period. ^[1] Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, stated that intensifying drought, extreme heat, and flooding threaten children's nutrition, health, access to safe water and sanitation, education, and safety. ^[2] UNICEF urgently requires US$173 million, within its existing 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) requirements, to reach children and families with anticipatory and life-saving assistance across 13 priority countries. ^[3] In Somalia, severe floods threaten 2.5 million people and their access to food, water, and education. ^[4] The intensification of droughts, extreme heat, and floods threatens to trigger epidemics, acute malnutrition, mass displacement, and school interruptions in 13 priority countries, including Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, and Mozambique. ^[5] UNICEF urgently requested $173 million within its 2026 humanitarian action plan to deploy nutritional supplies, strengthen epidemiological surveillance, and guarantee potable water in high-risk areas. ^[6] Less than one per cent of international humanitarian assistance is currently available for anticipatory action, even though this is key to saving lives and reducing humanitarian needs. ^[7]