investments in climate information and early warning systems, multi-hazard early warning Information management, and understanding and communication of risk that enables better anticipation, preparedness planning and early action to reduce potential losses. NUTRITION There is evidence of worsening malnutrition in some drought-affected countries, and an increasing risk of mortality, particularly among young children. For example, in January and February 2016, 11,340 admissions for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were recorded in Malawi (a more than 35 per cent yearon-year increase). Data from ten countries indicate that an estimated 2.7 million children are suffering from SAM all in need of treatment in 2016. Children with SAM have a risk of death nine times higher than that of children without SAM. Source: SADC RVAC 2016 for wasting, stunting and underweight; except for overweight and Angola source is joint UNICEF, WHO and World Bank database 2015. Under 3 for South Africa The worsening food insecurity and water scarcity resulting from El Niño-induced drought is impacting an already dire situation in SADC where one in four children under age 5 is stunted. The prevalence ranges from 7.9 per cent in Seychelles to 47 per cent in Madagascar. Whilst some countries have made progress in reversing trends in stunting, others are either static or increasing. The El Niño-induced drought will further impede progress in addressing stunting, with the long term consequences of impaired cognitive development, poor school performances and impaired productivity (with a 22 per cent loss of income in adulthood and up to 11 per cent GDP loss). As the drought has affected water availability and women spend more time searching for water, child caring practices are likely to be affected, with the potential of impacting on already low rates of exclusive breastfeeding. In SADC, exclusive breastfeeding rates in the first six months stand at 38 per cent, with only 5 countries that had exclusive 14 breastfeeding rates of 50 per cent (the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO)). Poor rates of exclusive breastfeeding compound the risks of malnutrition. Unless actively promoted and protected, breastfeeding practices and quality (frequency, quantity and content) of complementary feeding, which is especially important during food security crises, are likely to become even more sub-optimal. Food insecurity in SADC has resulted in households prioritizing staple foods over more micronutrientdense foods in times of food scarcity, and increasing food prices, which further increases the risk of malnutrition and corresponding increases in child morbidity and mortality. Ensuring adequate micronutrient status in pregnant women and children improves the health of expectant mothers, and the growth, development and survival of their children. Approximately 25 per cent of all stunting globally