ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that a critical funding shortfall is hampering its humanitarian response in Ethiopia as the country faces various humanitarian needs.
The UN agency said in its mid-year Ethiopia Humanitarian Situation Report, released late Monday, that its Humanitarian Action for Children 2026 Appeal requires 401.5 million U.S. dollars to address the critical humanitarian needs of children, adolescents, women, and men in Ethiopia.
"Currently, only 88.7 million dollars is available for this appeal, which represents 22 percent of the total financing required," UNICEF said.
"This significant shortfall underscores the necessity for continued support to bridge the gaps in funding," it added, calling on the international donor community to provide urgent assistance "to ensure that children and their caregivers receive the lifesaving and life-sustaining aid they desperately need in 2026 and beyond."
According to UNICEF, the East African country has continued to face "a complex humanitarian crisis" during the first half of 2026, driven by the combined effects of conflict, climate-related shocks, disease outbreaks, and economic challenges.
It noted that insecurity, violence, climatic stresses, and public health emergencies have exacerbated humanitarian needs in different regions of the country, leading to displacement, increased food insecurity, and significant disruptions to essential services.
It further highlighted the humanitarian needs of Ethiopia's growing refugee population. Ethiopia is currently the third-largest refugee-hosting nation in Africa, home to over 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea.
Meanwhile, the UN agency called for enhanced stakeholder collaboration for early preparedness and targeted response measures to mitigate the anticipated impacts of El Nino events on vulnerable communities.
Emphasizing that anticipatory actions are essential for strengthening preparedness and advocacy efforts, UNICEF underscored the vital importance for all concerned stakeholders to act ahead of forecasted hazardous events, thereby preventing or reducing the impact on lives and livelihoods. ■