The number of children suffering from severe drought in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia more than doubled in five months, according to UNICEF.
Climate change, conflict, global inflation and crop shortages have ravaged the region, with nearly 2 million children now in need of urgent treatment for severe acute malnutrition.
More than 20 million children in those countries are at risk of hunger, thirst and disease, according to UNICEF.
Children face many risks, including child labour, forced marriage and female genital mutilation, while families suffer increasing stress.
To help children and their families achieve long-term recovery and adapt to climate change, a $759 million contingency plan for 2023 also includes $690 million.