HIGHLIGHTS
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ASG for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy ERC, Ms. Joyce Msuya and the Deputy DG of the Food and Agriculture Organization Ms. Beth Bechdol visited Somalia from 7 to 9 March - Four million people in Somalia (21 per cent of the population) are facing Crisis or Emergency food insecurity, according to the latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC).
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Health partners have scaled up response to cholera and together with the Federal Ministry of Health have developed a six-month plan that requires US$5.6 million to implement.
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An estimated 1.7 million children aged 6 to 59 months face acute malnutrition in 2024, including 430,000 who are likely to be severely malnourished.
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A testament to the resilience and determination of Somali women in the face of adversity. Fatumo & her family endured a decade of displacement due to natural disasters & conflict.
SOMALIA Monthly Humanitarian Update February 2024
SITUATION OVERVIEW
The Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs (ASG) and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator (DERC) Ms. Joyce Msuya and the Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations Ms. Beth Bechdol visited Somalia between 7 and 9 March. The joint mission aimed to raise awareness of the severe humanitarian situation crisis in Somalia and advocate for additional resources to support and scale up the ongoing lifesaving assistance. The mission met affected people, frontline humanitarian responders, partners, donors and Government counterparts to discuss gaps, challenges, and immediate priorities for operational and strategic support to the humanitarian response. On 7 March, ASG Msuya opened the new OCHA Somalia offices in Mogadishu.
“I heard how the heroic efforts of local communities, humanitarian organizations and the Government helped to avert famine last year,” ASG Msuya told a press conference in Mogadishu on 9 March. “But I want to be clear: the worst is far from over. Somalia’s future, and the lives of millions of people, hang on a very, very tight balance. One in five people in Somalia have so little food that their lives or livelihoods are in immediate danger. Some 1.7 million people face acute malnutrition.”
Ms. Bechdol commended the strong commitment by humanitarian partners, donors and the Government. “What has helped in recent years has indeed been the very strong level of commitment provided by humanitarian donors, that is still needed in this particular period that the country finds itself in,” she said. “But it is time to start transitioning to more development support for the country and the people.” Talking about their joint mission to Doolow on 8 March, Ms. Bechdol said: “It is so critical in the food and agriculture system that we lift up women. And it is not just because of the opportunities that are presented to them. It is because they are already the backbone. On the African continent, two-thirds of the work done in food and agriculture is by women.”
In 2023, Somalia suffered back-to-back extreme climatic shocks. notably the worst drought in 40 years and once-in-a century floods due to El-Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole. “I have been deeply moved by the strength, by the resilience, by the courage, by the commitment starting from the communities all the way up to the Government at the federal level for the people of Somalia,” said Ms. Msuya. “We were very impressed by [how] local partners, national NGOs and the humanitarian community are benefiting from working very, very closely together. A core part of our job after we leave Somalia is to mobilize, to ask for more support from funding partners to help support the Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia for 2024.”
Food security improvement reported but millions of Somalis still facing crisis
At least four million people in Somalia (21 per cent of the population) are facing crisis or emergency food insecurity between January and March due to the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding late last year, exacerbated by lingering effects of previous droughts, according to the latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) findings published by the FAO-managed Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit on 15 February. The findings show an improvement in food security compared to the same period in 2023, when approximately five million people were classified in IPC Phase 3 or worse due to protracted drought. The current figure represents a 20 per cent reduction in the number of food insecure people. A further improvement is projected in April to June, when normal to above normal Gu rains are anticipated.
Despite these gains, the overall analysis shows that high levels of acute malnutrition persist in many areas; an estimated 1.7 million children aged 6 to 59 months face acute malnutrition in 2024, including 430,000 who are likely to be severely malnourished. The report suggests that the high level of acute malnutrition could be due to poor food access, high disease burden, low coverage of health and nutrition services, poor access to improved drinking water and sanitation, and poor child feeding practices. In 2023, acute malnutrition prevention such as the Blanket Supplementary Feeding Programme reached nearly 1.8 million children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. In 2024, the nutrition response is projected to reduce due to funding and logistical constraints.
The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Somalia(HNRP) indicates a decrease in the number of people in need of assistance from 8.3 million in 2023 to 6.9 million people, largely because the threat of localized famine was countered by scaled-up humanitarian response and well-above average Deyr (October to December) rains in 2023. The anticipated 2024 Gu (April to May) harvest is projected to provide temporary relief for some communities in terms of food availability, but the harvest may be reduced in the case of floods along the Juba and Shabelle river basins, which could destroy crops and wash away agricultural land. Furthermore, prices of basic commodities have remained elevated which will adversely impact people’s bargaining power. Generally, the situation has stabilised following the sustained humanitarian response last year and the modest benefits from the rains, although the overall situation is aggravated by ongoing displacement due to conflict, active hostilities and insecurity.
Cholera response stepped up as cases expected to spike in April
Health partners have stepped up response activities and together with the Federal Ministry of Health have developed a six-month plan that requires US$5.6 million to implement. The partners have activated a National Cholera Task Force, established 14 treatment centres, are engaged in risk communications and have deployed community health workers to raise awareness in areas at risk. However, critical gaps, exist in the response including inadequate skills and poor infrastructure at treatment centres, low supplies of medical requirements, access challenges and funding shortages. In Bulo Burte, Jalalaqsi and Mahaday, the presence of partners is limited.
According to the Somalia Federal Ministry of Health, a significant rise has been reported in cases of Acute watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera since January. As of 25 February, at least 3,365 cases had been recorded, of which 59 per cent were severe and 60 per cent children under 5 years of age, underscoring the heightened risk faced by children. Some 37 deaths were reported, giving a Case Fatality ratio of 1.1 per cent which is above the World Health Organization emergency threshold of ≥1 per cent.
Most cases were from Belet Weyne district, Afgooye and Buurhakaba. AWD/cholera cases are expected to increase as heavy rains and floods are anticipated from April, including outbreaks in areas where the disease has not been observed in years. According to the health ministry, the high cases can be attributed to low skills in case management among health care workers, limited access to primary health care services and high levels of malnutrition among children aged under 5 years. Partnersfurther attribute the cholera outbreak to open defection especially in displacement sites, population movements, limited access to primary health care and use of contaminated water.
After-Action Review workshop takes stock of flood preparedness
OCHA and Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) jointly organized an After-Action Review workshop on the* Deyr* (October to December 2023) flood response on 11 February, to take stock of the preparedness and response efficiency and effectiveness. Attended by representatives from line ministries, the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG) and emergency managers, the workshop in Mogadishu identified key actions that should be implemented jointly to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of flood preparedness and response. According to the seasonal climate forecast issued by IGAD’s Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), there is a 55 per cent likelihood that above normal rainfall will be observed over most parts of Somalia.
OCHA is working closely with key stakeholders including the Clusters and SoDMA to track the progress of the agreed actions and recommendations while the ICCG is facilitating the implementation of key preparedness, readiness and anticipatory actions, which are outlined in the 2024 HNRP. The main tasks completed so far include mapping existing boats and updating the operating procedures for the Logistics Cluster for timely prepositioning of boats and other essential supplies in hotspot areas.
The updated Rapid Needs Assessment tool will facilitate timely response and early warning messages have been updated by the Community Engagement Taskforce, in coordination with stakeholders. Efforts are ongoing to disseminate early warning messages directly to communities using all available means of communication. In addition, the stock mapping exercise is being finalized to identify available stock and existing gaps. There are also ongoing efforts to strengthen Area Based Coordination (ABC) to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Gu preparedness and response. The ABC in 10 prioritized districts is being revitalized to enhance response efficiency. Discussions are ongoing with SoDMA to strengthen coordination between Government and humanitarian partners to harmonize methodology for calculating key figures (such as affected people, people reached, gaps etc.) and to avoid sharing conflicting numbers in the middle of crisis.
FUNDING UPDATE
The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan requires US$1.6 billion to reach 5.2 million most vulnerable people in Somalia, of which only 8.2 per cent has been received as of 10 March. Continued advocacy is needed to diversify the donor base and appeal for an increase in much-needed assistance for Somalia. This includes funding for the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF). In 2023, the SHF allocated $56.6 million for life-saving interventions to 73 partners, focusing on underserved and hard-to-reach areas. The fund prioritized localization with 69 per cent of partners funded being national NGOs.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Fatumo Hassan Yarrow: A story of resilience and empowerment
Fatumo Hassan Yarrow's remarkable journey encapsulates the resilience and determination of Somali women in overcoming adversity. Enduring a decade of displacement, Fatumo's family finally found refuge in Doolow, Jubaland State. Despite these challenges, Fatumo remained unwavering in her pursuit of a better life, particularly for her siblings.
Seeking opportunities for growth and empowerment, Fatumo joined the Women and Girls Safe Space in Kabasa IDP site, managed by local partner SEDHURO and supported by the Somalia Humanitarian Fund. Here, she learned valuable skills in henna painting and tailoring, which later became her pathway to success.
Through her dedication and hard work, Fatumo not only mastered her craft but also secured a staff position at the Women and Girls Safe Space in Kaharey IDP site. Beyond her role there, Fatumo runs a successful business from her home, providing beauty and tailoring services to women and girls in Doolow. As the primary breadwinner for her family, Fatumo's journey highlights the transformative impact of investing in women's potential and resilience. Her story serves as an inspiration for others, emphasizing the importance of supporting initiatives that empower women and foster lasting change in communities.
In March, Fatumo had the honor of celebrating the 2024 International Women's Day alongside UN officials led by ASG/DERC Joyce Msuya at Kaharay IDP Women and Girls Safe Space. “I had the privilege of visiting Kaharey and Qansahley camps for internally displaced people in Doolow,” said ASG Msuya. “What impressed me is how cohesively the host communities and the IDPs were living. I was inspired and touched by the women, including Fatumo, who was kind enough to paint henna on my hands. The strength of Somali women, entrepreneurs, farmers who have gone through so much yet have the courage to keep going - that gave me hope on International Women’s Day.”
Health facility in Dhuusamarreeb struggling to serve despite challenges.
Hanano Hospital in Dhuusamarreeb, Galmudug State, is a vital healthcare facility, attending to about 80 patients daily and facilitating the delivery of 120 to 130 babies per month. Supported by humanitarian partners and the local community, the hospital plays a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare, particularly for mothers and children in the region. However, the cessation of health support in November 2023 due to funding shortages has left the hospital facing unprecedented challenges. Reductions in medical staff by over 50 per cent have led to a significant shrinkage in the provision of health assistance, exacerbating the difficulties faced by vulnerable populations.
According to Hospital Administrator, Mohamed Abdi, with only 56 medical staff, half of whom are volunteers, down from 130 in 2017, the hospital grapples with limited human resources, compounded by the lack of essential facilities such as an ambulance and blood bank. Pediatrician, Jibril Mohamed Farah, highlighting prevalent cases including pneumonia, malnutrition, and measles, underscores the pivotal role of pediatricians in child well-being but laments the inadequacy of support and equipment. “At times we see children who are born prematurely but we do not have an incubator in the hospital,” said Jibril. Despite these obstacles, patients and caregivers maintain high hopes for assistance at the facility, reflecting the community's reliance on its services.
Hodan, a mother of four sitting by her sick child who was admitted to the hospital two days earlier due to measles said: “The baby has been sick for almost a week now. He was experiencing a fever and is not taking food.” A nurse, Aisha, explained what had happened: “The child did not take the required vaccine dose. Although aggressive vaccination campaigns were carried out in the past and with recurring outbreaks, some parents are still reluctant to vaccinate their children to improve their immunity against contagious diseases.”
Access to healthcare is limited in Somalia and functional health facilities absent in many areas. Challenges persist in healthcare delivery, with the spread of preventable diseases attributed to gaps in vaccination campaigns and parental reluctance, particularly in areas controlled by non-state armed actors. The complex security situation also limits movements of both caregivers and those in need. This exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, underscoring the urgent need for sustained support and intervention to address the healthcare challenges in areas with significant needs like Galmudug State.
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.