Acute hunger could affect up to 8 million children across six African countries by early 2027, as a powerful El Niño weather phenomenon threatens to worsen an already severe food crisis. According to a new analysis by Save the Children, the number of people facing crisis levels of hunger or worse—classified as IPC Phase 3+—is expected to rise from 12.6 million to 16.4 million in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya by March 2027. This increase is largely driven by the anticipated effects of a "super" El Niño, one of the strongest such weather events in recent years. Currently, 6 million children in these six countries are already experiencing severe food shortages, but that number is projected to climb to 8 million in the coming months unless immediate action is taken. The analysis highlights that Uganda is expected to have the highest number of people facing acute food insecurity, with 4.4 million individuals projected to be in crisis or worse conditions by early 2027—a 22% increase from previous estimates. In the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, the situation is especially dire, with a 40% rise in the number of people facing severe food insecurity. Zambia is also expected to see the sharpest deterioration, with crisis-level hunger affecting over 1.2 million people—a jump of 80% from current figures. Other countries, including Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi, are also facing significant increases in food insecurity, ranging from 35% to 75%. The worsening food crisis is compounded by the effects of El Niño, which is expected to bring both droughts and floods to different parts of the region. In Southern Africa, dangerous droughts could lead to crop failures and the loss of livestock, while East Africa may face devastating floods, further straining already vulnerable populations. These climate impacts are occurring alongside existing challenges such as conflict, displacement, economic instability, and reduced humanitarian funding. In Mozambique, for example, many communities are still recovering from recent floods, while ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado continues to disrupt access to basic services. Save the Children warns that without early intervention, the combined effects of climate shocks and existing vulnerabilities could lead to a deepening humanitarian crisis, especially for children. The organization is already taking steps to prepare communities for anticipated disasters, including providing early warning information, evacuation planning, and cash assistance to help families prepare for floods, droughts, and storms. Additionally, Save the Children is reinforcing health facilities, schools, and water systems to better withstand climate-related shocks. The agency is urging governments and international donors to act now, investing in preparedness to protect essential services and reduce the need for large-scale humanitarian responses later.