UNICEF says 1.9 million Somali children face malnutrition as 205 facilities close
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Nearly 1.9 million children in Somalia are projected to be malnourished this year, UNICEF said on Friday. So far, 205 health and nutrition facilities have closed after unprecedented cuts to humanitarian aid, and as many as 618 could close nationwide.
Key Facts
- Nearly 1.9 million children in Somalia are projected to be affected by malnutrition this year, including almost half a million with severe acute malnutrition.
- 205 health and nutrition facilities have closed after unprecedented cuts to humanitarian aid, and as many as 618 could close nationwide.
- Funding to tackle acute malnutrition in parts of Somalia has dropped by more than 80% this year, according to Médecins Sans Frontières.
- Somalia has seen a 32% jump in the number of children admitted to facilities with severe acute malnutrition and complications.
Malnutrition Crisis
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said nearly 1.9 million children in Somalia are projected to be affected by malnutrition this year, including almost half a million with severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form. The country has seen a 32% jump in the number of children admitted to facilities with severe acute malnutrition and complications. Elder said fewer facilities mean longer journeys for mothers and their babies, longer journeys mean later treatment, and later treatment means more severe illness and a greater risk of preventable death.
Aid Cuts and Facility Closures
So far, 205 health and nutrition facilities have closed after unprecedented cuts to humanitarian aid, and as many as 618 health facilities could close nationwide, Elder said. Funding to tackle acute malnutrition in parts of Somalia has dropped by more than 80% this year, Médecins Sans Frontières said earlier in August, with the U.S. halting funds and other Western countries also cutting aid. Elder said Somalia is confronting a worsening climate crisis, severe drought in parts of the north, conflict and displacement, and, on the back of the war in Iran, rising costs for fuel and fertiliser.
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UNICEF says 1.9 million Somali children face malnutrition as 205 facilities close
