In sub-Saharan Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have far-reaching consequences for 550 million children under the age of 18. This UNICEF Child Alert examines how the disease and measures put in place to contain it are impacting the lives of children across the region, exacerbating existing threats like conflict, climate change and nutrition crises. The report urges governments and the international community to take concerted action to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and build a better world fit for children.