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<p>We share UNICEF's assessment that the El Nino phenomenon has contributed to failed
rains across Southern Africa, resulting in serious drought in both Zambia and Malawi,
which in turn will have a serious impact on children and the most vulnerable. We welcome
the swift actions of Presidents Hichilema (Zambia) and Chakwera (Malawi) in declaring
a state of national disaster and emergency across Zambia and within 23 out of 28 districts
in Malawi.</p><p>In Zambia, the UK is committing to the rapid expansion of the Social
Cash Transfer scheme to reduce food insecurity for an additional 6 million people
and pivoting our existing nutrition programmes to expand access to treatment. We deployed
a UK Humanitarian Stabilisation Operations Team to support the Government of Zambia's
drought response coordination. In Malawi, the UK has contributed to the Government's
investment into disaster risk financing instruments which will provide an immediate
response when triggered. The Malawian Government is currently preparing its own El
Nino Response Plan which will outline further international assistance requirements.
The UK will continue to monitor the situation closely.</p>
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