Somalia: Somalia - Humanitarian Aid Cuts Leave Millions of Children Vulnerable to Hunger
[UN News] The global funding crisis for humanitarian work is taking a growing toll on the most vulnerable children in Somalia, where some aid programmes and facilities have been forced to shut down.
The global funding crisis for humanitarian work is exacerbating the situation for vulnerable children in Somalia, with some aid programmes and facilities forced to shut down. In Hajio's case, her previously prosperous life has been devastated by drought, forcing her to flee her home for help. Upon arriving in the town of Burhakaba, she received only basic clothing and tomatoes, despite the international community's support being available.
Due to severe cuts in humanitarian aid, over 200 health and nutrition facilities have already closed, and up to 618 more could close. These closures have led to a 32% increase in children admitted to stabilization centers with severe acute malnutrition and complications, compared to last year. The consequences include longer journeys for mothers and babies, leading to delayed treatment and a higher risk of preventable death.
Nearly one million children under five, adolescent girls, and women risk losing access to nutrition services in Somalia. The funding cuts coincide with Somalia's humanitarian needs skyrocketing, with nearly 1.9 million children projected to be affected by malnutrition, including nearly half a million with severe acute malnutrition.
The ongoing US-Iran war, rising fuel and fertiliser costs, and the El Niño weather pattern are further complicating the situation. The UN, which has been active in Somalia with initiatives such as distributing cholera vaccinations and rehabilitating children from armed groups, is facing a funding crisis that threatens its programs.
UNICEF, for instance, supported over 2.25 million children with severe acute malnutrition between 2021 and 2025, with a cure rate of 97.6% in 2025. However, the agency may struggle to maintain these results under the new constraints. This situation highlights that protecting children is not a discretionary expense, and dismantling effective aid at the moment of greatest need is a decision to pay more later in terms of money, security, lost development, and, for some children, lives.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
