A Crisis within a Crisis: COVID-19 and Hunger in African Children

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe WHO recently expressed concern at the potential impact of COVID-19 on hunger, which is likely to exacerbate the already considerable burden of malnutrition of Africa. The impact of the disease is expected to be greater among those grappling with malnutrition, whereas widespread hunger and malnutrition will likely increase because of movement restrictions. COVID-19 is unfolding in Africa against a backdrop of worrying levels of hunger and undernourishment which could worsen as the virus threatens livelihoods and household economies. The perspective piece addresses the crisis within crisis of COVID-19 and hunger on the well-being of children in Africa.