Funding allocated to address severe malnutrition in certain regions of Somalia has plummeted by over 80% this year, as per a statement from Doctors Without Borders released on Tuesday. Despite the fact that one out of every four children examined in displacement camps in the southwest of Somalia is severely malnourished, financial support has significantly decreased, with the United States reducing its aid to aid organizations in the country from $70 million last year to zero funding this year. This reduction, along with similar cuts from other Western donors, has placed a strain on aid groups as demands for assistance continue to grow.
Mitchell Sangma, a health consultant with Doctors Without Borders, highlighted the challenges faced, stating, “This year, we have seen a rise of over 80% in admitted nutrition cases compared to last year. At a time when a substantial increase in intervention efforts is imperative, we are observing reduced interest from donor backing.” A survey conducted in July by MSF among 888 households in 14 displacement sites in Baidoa, southwest Somalia, revealed alarming statistics, with one in every four children suffering from severe malnutrition. Additionally, one-third of families reported surviving on just one meal per day, while only a mere two percent could afford three meals.
The ongoing hunger crisis in Somalia has been exacerbated by consecutive failed rainy seasons, leading to crop failures, livestock losses, and depletion of water resources. Conflict and insecurity have further worsened the situation, disrupting livelihoods and impeding access to essential resources such as food, healthcare, and aid. Earlier this year, the Somali government and the United Nations reported that approximately 6.5 million people in the country were grappling with acute hunger due to drought.
Doctors Without Borders disclosed that they had screened over 21,000 children under the age of five in Baidoa since the beginning of the year, revealing acute malnutrition rates of around 50%. Although acute malnutrition is less severe than severe malnutrition, it still involves sudden weight loss and poses life-threatening risks.
Recent data from the United Nations indicates that over half a million individuals were displaced in Somalia during the initial three months of 2026, primarily driven by drought. Notably, women and children constituted approximately 85% of the displaced population. The current crisis is evoking memories of Somalia’s near-famine in 2022, raising concerns among aid agencies. They emphasize that the response is being hindered by significant funding shortfalls.
Doctors Without Borders underscored the limited financial resources available for Somalia, estimating only around $300 million from donors, in stark contrast to the $2.2 billion provided in 2022 during a similar drought episode. Allara Ali, the project coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Somalia, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “The world cannot afford to delay action until a famine is officially declared. Immediate measures are essential to prevent loss of lives.”
