The United Nations has released $6 million in emergency funding to help communities in Madagascar’s Grand Sud region prepare for severe dry conditions expected to be linked to El Niño, allowing humanitarian partners to act before the situation deteriorates.
Tom Fletcher, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, released the funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) as forecasts indicate significantly below-average rainfall between November 2026 and February 2027.
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The anticipated dry conditions could worsen food insecurity in a region that remains vulnerable to climate-related shocks. By providing funding ahead of the expected deterioration, the United Nations aims to support anticipatory humanitarian action rather than waiting until communities are already facing a full-scale crisis.
The new funding will enable humanitarian partners to deliver essential assistance before conditions become more severe. Planned support includes life-saving food, healthcare, nutrition assistance and access to clean water for vulnerable communities.
The approach reflects the growing use of anticipatory action in humanitarian response, where forecasts and eThe funding will support early action in Madagascar’s Grand Sud, helping communities prepare for below-average rainfall and protecting access to food, healthcare, nutrition assistance and clean water.