Somalia's child nutrition crisis worsens as essential services close
FOOD INSECURITY / MALNUTRITION
Situation
Somalia's humanitarian funding shortfall is removing essential services just as drought, conflict, displacement and rising costs are increasing pressure on children and families. UNICEF reported that 205 health and nutrition facilities had already closed, reducing service coverage by 30 per cent and forcing families to travel farther for care. Admissions of children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications to stabilisation centres rose by 32 per cent during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Nearly 1.9 million children are projected to experience malnutrition during 2026, including almost 500,000 facing severe acute malnutrition. UNICEF also warned that almost one million children under five, adolescent girls and women could lose nutrition services. More than 1.6 million people require safe water, over 800,000 risk losing hygiene supplies, and 78,000 students have already left education while a further 660,000 children are at risk. The closures and funding reductions are weakening prevention and early treatment, increasing the likelihood that children reach hospitals only after becoming critically ill.
Verified figures
- Children projected to face malnutrition
- 1.9 million
- Children projected to face severe acute malnutrition
- Almost 500,000
- Health and nutrition facilities closed
- 205
- Reduction in service coverage
- 30%
- Increase in complicated severe-malnutrition admissions
- 32% year on year
- People needing safe water
- >1.6 million
- People at risk of losing hygiene supplies
- >800,000
- Students already out of education
- 78,000
- Girls and boys at risk of losing education
- 660,000
- Potential additional facility closures
- Up to 618
- UNHAS budget reduction, 2025–2026
- 40%
Provenance
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