Funding Cuts Leave 6 Million Somalis Facing Acute Hunger

Six million people in Somalia are facing acute food insecurity driven by prolonged drought, internal conflict, and rising food prices. The World Food Programme reports possessing only a tenth of the resources it had during the 2022 hunger emergency, as international donors cut aid or redirect funds to other global crises. This shortfall has forced the agency to limit nutrition supplies to only the most severely affected children.

Funding for acute malnutrition has dropped by more than 80% this year, leading to the closure of 205 health and nutrition facilities, with up to 618 potentially shutting nationwide. UNICEF projects that 1.9 million children under age five will suffer from malnutrition this year, including nearly 500,000 with severe acute malnutrition. The reduction in facilities has caused a 32% increase in children admitted to stabilization centers with complications, as families must travel longer distances for treatment.

Humanitarian operations are further strained by a 20-year insurgency by al-Shabab, which necessitates expensive aircraft transport for supplies. Additionally, the ongoing war between the United States and Iran has increased the costs of fuel and fertilizer, further destabilizing food provisions. UNICEF warns that dismantling aid during this crisis will result in higher costs in terms of lives and security.