Funding to address acute malnutrition in certain regions of Somalia has significantly decreased by over 80% this year, as reported by Doctors Without Borders on Tuesday. Despite one out of every four children in displacement camps in southwest Somalia being severely malnourished, aid support has dwindled. Mitchell Sangma, a health advisor at Doctors Without Borders, highlighted that the United States has slashed its aid to organizations in the country from $70 million last year to zero this year, leading to challenges for aid groups as demands increase. Western donors have also reduced their funding contributions.
Sangma noted, “This year, we have seen a surge in nutrition cases, admitting 22,000 cases, which is more than 80% higher than the previous year. However, there is a lack of donor support at a crucial time when intervention measures need to be scaled up significantly.”
A recent survey conducted by MSF in Baidoa, southwest Somalia, revealed alarming statistics, with one in four children identified as severely malnourished. Additionally, one-third of surveyed families reported surviving on only one meal per day, while a mere two percent could afford three meals.
Somalia is grappling with a worsening hunger crisis due to consecutive failed rainy seasons causing crop failures, livestock losses, and water scarcity. The situation is exacerbated by conflict and insecurity, disrupting livelihoods and restricting access to food, healthcare, and aid.
In February, the Somali government and the United Nations warned that approximately 6.5 million people in the country were facing acute hunger due to drought conditions.
Doctors Without Borders disclosed that they have screened over 21,000 children under five in Baidoa since the beginning of the year, identifying acute malnutrition rates of around 50%. Acute malnutrition, while less severe than severe malnutrition, involves sudden weight loss and poses life-threatening risks.
According to the United Nations, over half a million people were displaced in Somalia in the first three months of 2026, primarily driven by drought. Women and children accounted for roughly 85% of the displaced population.
The crisis is reigniting concerns of a recurrence of Somalia’s near-famine in 2022, yet aid efforts are hindered by significant funding shortfalls. Doctors Without Borders highlighted that only about $300 million is currently available for Somalia from donors, a stark contrast to the $2.2 billion provided during the 2022 drought crisis.
Allara Ali, the project coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Somalia, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Action must be taken promptly to prevent loss of lives as the world cannot afford to wait for a famine declaration.”
