Attachments
Highlights
- UNICEF estimates that approximately 11 million people, including 4 million children and adolescents, will require humanitarian assistance to cope with disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026.
- This assessment follows a year of high-impact natural hazards, including floods, droughts, storms and wildfires that strained national and local response systems and displaced thousands of children, particularly in vulnerable communities. For example, Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic damage across Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic in October 2025 and significantly increased humanitarian response needs in the Caribbean.
- In partnership with governments, civil society and the private sector, UNICEF will strengthen child-centred, shock-responsive systems by improving coordination, enhancing data management, promoting disaster-risk financing and safeguarding the continuity of essential services, while prioritizing localized anticipatory action.
- For 2026, UNICEF is appealing for US$53.8 million to support emergency preparedness, enhance anticipatory action and respond to the humanitarian needs of children affected by disasters across the region.
IN NEED
2.5 million People in need of health and nutrition services
3.2 million Children in need of protection services
3 million Children in need of education support
7.7 million People in need of access to safe water
11 million People estimated to be impacted by disasters