Somalia: Hundreds of Health and Nutrition Facilities Closed As Somalia's Child Crisis Deepens
[Unicef] Mogadishu/Nairobi -- This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Spokesperson, James Elder, to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Mogadishu/Nairobi — UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder warned at a press briefing today that Somalia's child crisis is deepening as aid cuts close health and nutrition facilities. The cuts have forced 205 health and nutrition facilities to close, leading to a 32% increase in children admitted to stabilization centers with severe acute malnutrition and complications in the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year.
Longer journeys to hospitals due to fewer facilities increase the risk of severe illness and preventable deaths. The worsening climate crisis, conflict, displacement, and rising costs of fuel and fertilizers, along with a record-strength El Niño, are intensifying pressures on Somalia's children. Funding cuts have reduced health and nutrition service coverage by 30%, and as many as 618 health facilities could close nationwide under severe funding scenarios.
Nearly one million children under five, adolescent girls, and women risk losing access to nutrition services. The UNHAS humanitarian air service, crucial for transporting life-saving cargo, has seen its budget cut by 40%. Despite past achievements, such as supporting over 2.25 million admissions of children with severe acute malnutrition and a 97.6% cure rate, funding is now lacking.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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