SOS Children’s Villages rallies Sh882m to address Somalia’s growing humanitarian crisis

Somalia’s worsening humanitarian crisis has left over 4.6 million people facing acute food insecurity—nearly 800,000 of whom are at risk of emergency hunger—amid recent international aid cuts that have deepened the crisis.

The termination of funding from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance to key UN nutrition and health programmes has left critical gaps in life-saving services across the country, particularly for women and children.

In response, SOS Children’s Villages in Somalia, a humanitarian organisation, has launched a €6 million (Sh882 million) emergency appeal to provide life-saving support to more than 184,000 people across eight districts.

The appeal, which runs until April 2026, targets key areas such as nutrition, health, clean water, education, child protection, and food security.

“Cases of malnutrition are increasing daily among the patients we serve and the beneficiaries we care for,” said Dr Abdinur Abdullah Salad, a medical director with SOS Children’s Villages Somalia.

Nutrition crisis

According to the organisation, nearly €2 million (Sh295 million) is being allocated specifically to address the nutrition crisis brought on by the loss of humanitarian aid.

Abdinur revealed that cases of malnutrition are increasing daily among the children they treat.

He noted that teams at eight health facilities are actively treating malnourished children and educating caregivers on essential feeding and hygiene practices.

“What we seriously need right now is to bridge the gap that was left by the funding cuts,” said Dr Mohamed Dakane, SOS Children’s Villages Somalia’s Humanitarian Director.

“Funding gaps actually have severely affected our programme, and we hope to maintain all our facilities so that people can access basic services in the country.”

Limited maternal, newborn care

The health system in Somalia remains under tremendous strain, with limited maternal and newborn care, mental health services, and vaccination coverage.

The organisation continues to operate health centres in high-need areas such as Barawa, Baidoa, and Balcad, often the only available healthcare facilities in those districts.

In addition to health and nutrition, the humanitarian response includes efforts to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Many displaced families now live in overcrowded settlements without safe water access.

In response to the heightened risks of violence, family separation, and trauma among children, SOS Children’s Villages provides psychosocial support and child protection through child-friendly spaces and outreach programmes, while also continuing education services for displaced children.