drought
Malnutrition is at crisis levels in Somalia, caused by a combination of prolonged droughts, ongoing conflicts, lack of health care facilities, and economic instability. The upcoming La Niña-driven drought is expected to worsen these conditions, reducing food production even further and increasing displacement as families migrate in search of food and water.
Due to inadequate funding, the humanitarian response in Somalia is falling short of the urgent needs of the population. Vital services like therapeutic feeding programs, mobile health clinics, and primary health care centers are being forced to reduce or close operations. That means fewer children are getting the food needed to recover from malnutrition, and fewer families have access to basic medical care.
Large international NGOs that deliver essential health care and nutrition services have already been compelled to reduce or halt their activities due to funding shortfalls, and with reports of further funding cuts—including reductions in US support—the situation will only worsen, putting more lives at risk. As organizations withdraw, the gaps in lifesaving services are widening, depriving children of treatment for severe malnutrition and preventable diseases.
Doctors Without Borders is entirely funded by independent donors, and we urgently need your help to continue providing critical humanitarian assistance in Somalia and around the world. Donate today >>