Growing Humanitarian Emergency in Sahel Region
The Sahel region, which spans countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, and parts of Cameroon and Nigeria, is experiencing one of the most rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crises in the world. This vast, semi-arid region is caught in a web of intersecting issues, including armed conflict, food insecurity, poverty, and the growing effects of climate change.
Crisis Overview
As of 2024, over 4 million people have been forcibly displaced across the region due to conflict, including over 3.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 708,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. The primary drivers of displacement are violent extremist groups, ethnic clashes, and political instability, all of which have destabilized local governments and forced millions from their homes (UNHCR) (Global Focus).
Compounding the security situation are severe droughts and flooding, driven by climate change, that have destroyed crops and livestock, further aggravating hunger and malnutrition. In the Sahel, 33 million people are in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance. Hunger is a critical issue, with many areas facing famine-like conditions (World Health Organization (WHO)).
Current Impact
Health systems in the Sahel have been overwhelmed by increasing violence. In 2021 alone, 122 health workers were killed in attacks on health facilities, and this number has only grown since. The region also faces significant disease outbreaks, with over 110,000 cholera cases recorded in 2021, and yellow fever transmission is at a 20-year high (World Health Organization (WHO)).
Access to clean water, basic sanitation, and food security remains a severe challenge. In many areas, entire communities have lost access to clean water due to drought, and food prices have skyrocketed. COVID-19 has also further complicated relief efforts, making healthcare and vaccination campaigns nearly impossible in conflict zones (World Health Organization (WHO)).
How to Help
Numerous organizations are working on the ground to provide life-saving support. You can contribute to the following efforts:
UNHCR: Focuses on protecting refugees and displaced persons in the Sahel region. You can donate here.
World Food Programme (WFP): Delivers food assistance to millions in the region. Find out how to help here.
WHO: Provides essential healthcare and disease prevention services across the Sahel. Support their mission here.
