Key messages

• In February 2026, over 67.5 million people in 10 of the 13 countries covered by the FSNWG were estimated to be highly food insecure (IPC1 Phase 3 or above) and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Of these, 37.5 million were in six IGAD member states.
• The nutrition situation across the region remained concerning, driven by limited food access, sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices, and inadequate health and nutrition services. Substantial reduction in assistance is putting many children at risk of losing access to treatment.
• Most parts of the region are forecast to experience near normal to wetter than normal conditions during the March-May (MAM) rainfall season, with the exception of parts of coastal Kenya, which are forecast to experience drier than normal conditions. Given the season’s low predictability, continuous and close monitoring is critical.