Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Somalia

SOYDA Monthly Progressive Narrative Report, February 2024

Attachments

1. Background and Humanitarian needs

Somalia experienced the worst drought in decades in 2023, followed by the most extensive floods in generations, all within the span of just a few months. Despite some improvements, levels of humanitarian needs are still severe and extreme. Almost one in five Somalis face high levels of acute food insecurity. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis published on 15 February, at least 4 million people (21 per cent of the population) are estimated to be in IPC Phase 3 or worse (Crisis or Emergency) until March 2024.

High levels of acute malnutrition persist in many areas, with an estimated 1.7 million children aged 6 to 59 months facing acute malnutrition between January and December 2024, of whom 430,000 are likely to be severely malnourished. Access to healthcare is limited and functional health facilities are inadequate, which heightens the risk of maternal and infant mortality, increases rates of preventable diseases like cholera.

Children, their families and communities in Somalia are feeling the impact of an El Nino phenomenon that has affected over 1.7 million people, upward from 1.17 million in just one week, also doubling the number of displaced people to 649,000. The shock is largely borne by children in South West State where 454,320 people are impacted, followed by Gedo region in Jubaland State (291,765 people) and Mudug region in Galmudug State (213,356 people). There have been at least 40 fatalities, 40 per cent of them children, while more than 125,000 people have relocated to higher ground, adding to the current displacement caused by conflict and most recently drought. Children account for 54% of all acute watery diarrhea (AWD) cases where under-fives contribute to half of new cases. With clusters of confirmed cholera cases during floods, there is concern of a surge in infections particularly among children.

During the reporting period, a significant increase in the number of cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera is reported, with 383 cases recorded in 21 districts; a 43.5 per cent increase compared to last week. According to the Health Cluster, cases have increased in Afgooye, Baidoa, Burhakaba, Marka, Kismayo and Belet Hawa districts. In addition, cases of malaria have increased in the past two months. This comes as heavy rains and floods continue to batter health facilities in Somalia. In total, 1.17 million people lack access to healthcare services in Somalia. In addition, a growing number of people affected by floods lack access to safe water and proper sanitation, which increases the risk of water-borne diseases. Partners are concerned that stagnant water, wherever it is, will exacerbate the risk of water-borne diseases.

However, SOYDA have been providing integrated package of nutrition, Food Security, Education, Civic Education, Youth empowerment, WASH, protection, and health intervention in Benadir, Southwest and Jubbaland State of Somalia.

SOYDA shall however, continue its program implementation to enable reduce the vulnerability as well as provide improved lifesaving Health, Nutrition, WASH,
Food Security, Protection and Education services.