A child is screened for malnutrition in Niger 2010 © CARE / Kathryn RichardsA food and nutritional crisis is unfolding in the Sahel belt of North Africa, affecting millions of people in Niger and Chad.

Malnutrition rates are approaching emergency thresholds and the situation continues to deteriorate.

This will become more critical in the early part of next year, especially during the 'lean' season from March to September.

More than half the villages of Niger are vulnerable to food insecurity. Child malnutrition is above emergency levels in seven out of eight regions. A CARE assessment in Dakoro showed that rapid deterioration is likely in the next few months if there is no emergency response. CARE has been warning of potential food crisis since October.

There is a short window between now and March to ensure support for the region's most vulnerable families and early action is crucial. CARE has been monitoring the situation since October, and will be conducting rapid needs assessments and scaling up existing programs to address needs.

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