UNICEF Warns: Somalia’s Child Crisis Deepens as 205 Health Facilities Close

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said admissions of children suffering severe acute malnutrition and related complications rose by 32% during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.

He warned that the loss of community-based services is forcing families to travel farther for treatment, often reaching specialized facilities only after children’s conditions have worsened.

The cuts come as Somalia faces worsening drought, conflict, displacement, and rising fuel and fertilizer costs, with severe flooding expected to add to humanitarian pressures.

Elder warned that reducing aid as needs grow is “the wrong moment to retreat.”

UNICEF said funding cuts have already reduced health and nutrition coverage by 30%. Under severe funding scenarios, up to 618 facilities could close, while nearly one million children under five, adolescent girls, and women risk losing access to nutrition services.

Nearly 1.9 million children are projected to face malnutrition this year, including almost half a million with severe acute malnutrition.

UNICEF said the rise in admissions also reflects the loss of preventive services that would normally identify and treat vulnerable children earlier.

Meanwhile, the funding crisis is affecting water, education, and child protection. More than 1.6 million people need safe water, while over 78,000 students have already dropped out of school and another 660,000 risk leaving education. At least 65 child protection service points and facilities have also closed.

UNICEF highlighted its previous successes, including supporting more than 2.25 million admissions of children with severe acute malnutrition between 2021 and 2025, with a 97.6% cure rate in 2025.

It also provided vocational support to children formerly associated with armed groups.

Elder warned that continued funding cuts could undermine these programs and increase children’s exposure to malnutrition, displacement, recruitment, and other dangers.

“We have the programmes. We have the partners. What is missing is the funding,” Elder said, urging the international community to maintain support as Somalia’s humanitarian crisis deepens.