Over two million under-five children face acute hunger, malnutrition in Somalia, UN warns
The United Nations has warned that over two million under-five children are facing high levels of hunger and malnutrition in Somalia.
The UN, in a statement on Thursday, cited its new analysis, noting that the children required treatment for acute malnutrition between July 2026 and June 2027, including 433,000 children with severe acute malnutrition.
“1.92 million children under five require treatment for acute malnutrition between July 2026 and June 2027, including 433,000 children with severe acute malnutrition, the most serious category,” it stated.
The UN humanitarian coordinator in Somalia, George Conway, warned that millions of people are at risk due to high levels of hunger and malnutrition.
The warning followed the release of the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis on Wednesday, which projected that 5.4 million people will face crisis levels of hunger or worse between October and December 2026, including 1.5 million facing emergency levels of hunger or worse.
“The analysis also found that the levels of acute malnutrition in Burhakaba district in the Bay region—which was at risk of famine in April—have improved,” the UN said.
The UN further noted that the analysis, however, identified Baidoa district—also in the Bay region—as a new area at risk of famine, which was driven by catastrophic hunger and extremely critical levels of acute malnutrition among internally displaced people.
“A follow-up assessment is planned for October to gather additional evidence,” it added.
Mr Conway warned that the threat of El Niño-related flooding between October and December will further undermine already fragile livelihoods, displace vulnerable communities, and increase the risk of disease.
“Potential flooding linked to El Niño rains could affect up to 3.4 million people, particularly in Hiraan, Middle Juba and Lower Juba. The UN and its humanitarian partners—together with the Government—have stepped up preparedness efforts, including risk analysis, contingency planning, anticipatory action, community awareness, and the pre-positioning of supplies,” he noted.
According to the UN, the key gaps remained, particularly in funding and preparedness in high-risk locations.
“As a result, humanitarian agencies are appealing for additional resources to strengthen preparedness and early action ahead of the El Niño season,” it added.
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