Humanitarian outlook: Why 2026 is grim for Eastern Africa
Injured displaced Sudanese people receive treatment at a makeshift clinic run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Tawila, North Darfur, on November 3 2025.
As 2026 begins, Eastern Africa stands at a humanitarian crossroads. Conflict, climate shocks, disease and food insecurity have converged into a cycle of crises. While communities bear the heaviest cost, the international response is falling dangerously short, driven by a mix of indifference and underfunding.
Deep cuts to humanitarian and global health assistance this year have hurt communities worldwide. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are encountering fewer aid agencies with reduced capacity to respond to emergencies.
