Somalia is facing a critical child malnutrition crisis.
Health facilities across the country registered the highest number of admissions since the catastrophic drought of 2023.
The stabilization centre at Kismayo General Hospital, backed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), recorded 277 critically ill children in May 2025 alone—the highest monthly figure in two years.
2025 Records Sharp Increase in Child Malnutrition Crisis
From January to May 2025, Kismayo’s stabilization centre admitted 863 children under five, reflecting a 70% increase compared to the previous five months.
These facilities provide emergency medical care for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition with life-threatening complications.
One of those patients was Ahmed Hussein, an eleven-month-old boy who traveled hundreds of kilometers with his mother, Marwo Abdikarim, in search of help.
“They gave him medicine when I arrived.
They gave him milk. Thank God, he is fine now.
I didn’t think he would make it,” said Marwo.
Decline in Nutritional Clinics Poses New Threat
While stabilization centers like Kismayo play a life-saving role, many early-intervention nutrition clinics have shut down due to international funding shortfalls.
This collapse of frontline services leaves thousands of vulnerable families without access to essential preventative care.
The Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), in partnership with the ICRC, has also seen a sharp rise in malnourished children at its outpatient clinics.
In the first half of 2025, 11 ICRC-supported clinics treated nearly 1,400 patients—highlighting the escalating demand for nutritional support nationwide.
Child Malnutrition Crisis and Food Insecurity Set to Worsen
Revised humanitarian forecasts now estimate that the malnutrition crisis will affect 47,000 new children in Somalia in the coming months, driven by:
- Ongoing armed conflict
- Mass internal displacement
- Climate shocks including repeated floods and droughts
These compounding crises are pushing communities to the brink of survival.
Especially in southern and central Somalia.
Urgent Humanitarian Response Underway
To address Somalia child malnutrition crisis, the ICRC and SRCS have intensified their efforts:
- 15,000 displaced families received emergency cash assistance to buy food and essential supplies.
- Hospitals treating weapon-wounded patients continue to receive medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.
- The ICRC remains fully committed to maintaining operations in Kismayo and across other critical regions.
