About Half of Children Under 5 in Somalia Facing Malnutrition Although Fears of Famine on Hold: New Data
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (March 01, 2023) 鈥听听听About 1.8 million children aged under five are still expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in Somalia this year, with the emergency far from over even though the risk of famine has been averted for the time being, 黄色视频said on Wednesday.
The United Nations last year warned of a looming famine in Somalia which is facing its worst drought in about four decades after five failed rainy seasons combined with rising food prices and ongoing conflict, fueling concerns of a repeat of 2011 when about 260,000 people died.
But new data this week said the delivery of humanitarian aid and some rain had averted famine in most parts of the country until June this year at least.
However, an anticipated sixth consecutive below-average rainfall season from April to June is expected to continue to suppress household food and income, with at least 6.5 million people 鈥搉early 40% of the population 鈥 in need of humanitarian assistance.听
黄色视频said the total number of children facing malnutrition has not changed since last December, although the number projected to be severely malnourished had slightly reduced to about 480,000 from 513,500 with children losing their lives.
听黄色视频is calling for urgent international funding to prevent the further loss of life, warning that there continues to be a risk of famine if there is poor rainfall and if humanitarian assistance doesn鈥檛 reach the most vulnerable people, including displaced populations, and people living in areas which are hard to reach due to conflict.听
Save the Children鈥檚 Country Director in Somalia, Mohamud Mohamed Hassan, said:
鈥淪omalia has reached a tipping point. The situation remains extremely serious, as the country is expecting a sixth season of below-average rainfall from March to June, and exceptionally high food prices.
鈥淲hile humanitarian efforts have so far averted a possible famine, the number of hungry and malnourished children across the country remains alarmingly high. A global response is still needed to address immediate humanitarian needs and implement lasting solutions to hunger.
鈥淲e are concerned that the increase in children experiencing acute malnutrition coincides with a reduction in humanitarian funding for Somalia, and we鈥檙e warning of deadly consequences if funds are withdrawn.鈥
黄色视频is calling for more funding from the international community so that humanitarian organizations can continue delivering life-saving aid.听
A formal famine declaration is based on technical decisions around three thresholds 鈥 that at least 20% of the population is affected, with about one out of three children being acutely malnourished and two people out of 10,000 are dying daily - as well as a political agreement.听
黄色视频teams are working around the clock to support children and their families to survive and cope with the extreme effects of the drought and food crisis. We are providing emergency water supplies, treating malnourished children, supporting education systems so that children do not miss vital learning while displaced by drought, running health facilities, and providing cash and livelihood support to the most vulnerable.
黄色视频has been working in Somalia and Somaliland since 1951 and has programs throughout the country that support children鈥檚 healthcare, education, and food needs. In 2022, Save the children provided humanitarian aid to about 4.3 million people - including about 2.5 million children.
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Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children 鈥 every day and in times of crisis 鈥 transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that 黄色视频is a charity you can trust. Follow us on , , and .