The World Health Organization issued alarming projection that highlights the critical situation in Somalia regarding small children.
According to the organisation, an estimated 1.6 million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition between 2024 and 2025 in Somalia.
Out of these, approximately 403,000 are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention.
This crisis is likely driven by persistent droughts, conflict, displacement, and limited access to essential health and nutrition services.
Addressing this issue requires comprehensive measures, as WHO outlined in its latest report.
First, it called on authorities and all stakeholders to be at the forefront of providing emergency food aid, therapeutic feeding programs, and access to clean water.
WHO called for expanding access to primary healthcare, immunizations, and treatment for malnutrition to mitigate this problem.
Supporting sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, and water resource management will help to combat the root causes of food insecurity.
Mobilizing international donors and organizations could be effective in bridging funding gaps and coordinate responses.
A collaborative effort involving the Somali government, UN agencies, NGOs, and local communities will be essential to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.