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West and Central Africa Region: Child Rights and Humanitarian Dashboard (January-June 2024)

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SITUATION OVERVIEW

In 2024, children and their families in West and Central Africa remained exposed to fragile and increasingly life-threatening environments, with 46 million children in need of humanitarian assistance. Children in the region were again affected by multi-dimensional humanitarian crises caused by sustained violent social, intercommunal and political conflicts, climate-related shocks, food insecurity and disease outbreaks such as epidemics in several countries. Severe flooding and mpox outbreaks in multiple countries have particularly put children at risk in 2024. The compound impact of these crises has led to increased displacement and reduced access to essential services, including the closure of health facilities and schools. As of mid-2024, there were an estimated 17.8 million displaced individuals, encompassing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. This figure included more than 9.7 million children. Prolonged food insecurity and malnutrition in the region continue to be exacerbated by climate shocks and the impact of global economic pressures on food prices and inflation.