Funding for addressing severe malnutrition in certain areas of Somalia has seen a drastic reduction of over 80% this year, as reported by Doctors Without Borders. Despite a quarter of children screened in displacement camps in the southwest region being severely malnourished, financial support has significantly decreased. Mitchell Sangma, a health consultant at Doctors Without Borders, highlighted that the United States has withdrawn its aid for agencies in Somalia from $70 million last year to zero this year, leading to challenges for aid organizations amidst growing needs. Other Western donors have also scaled back their contributions.
An assessment conducted by MSF in July across 888 households in 14 displacement sites in Baidoa revealed alarming statistics. It showed that one in four children suffered from severe malnutrition, with thirty-three percent of families managing on just one meal daily, while only two percent could afford three meals. The deteriorating hunger crisis in Somalia has been exacerbated by consecutive failed rainy seasons, resulting in ruined crops, livestock losses, and water scarcity. Additionally, conflict and insecurity have worsened the situation, disrupting livelihoods and impeding access to essential resources like food, healthcare, and aid.
Earlier this year, both the Somali government and the United Nations warned that around 6.5 million people in Somalia were at risk of acute hunger due to drought conditions. Doctors Without Borders disclosed that they had screened over 21,000 children under five in Baidoa since the start of the year, revealing acute malnutrition rates of approximately 50%. Although not as severe as acute malnutrition, acute malnutrition presents sudden weight loss and poses life-threatening risks.
According to the UN, over half a million individuals were displaced in Somalia in the initial three months of 2026, mainly driven by drought. Women and children comprised about 85% of the displaced population. The ongoing crisis has reignited concerns of a potential repeat of the near-famine experienced in Somalia in 2022. However, aid agencies are struggling to respond adequately due to significant funding shortfalls.
Doctors Without Borders emphasized that only around $300 million is available for Somalia from donors presently, a significant drop from the $2.2 billion provided during the 2022 drought crisis. Allara Ali, the project coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Somalia, stressed the urgency for immediate action to prevent loss of lives, stating that waiting for a famine declaration is not an option.