In response to the UK government’s announcement of new funding to Somalia, Alison Griffin, Head of UK Influencing at Save the Children UK, said:

“The risk of famine in Somalia can no longer be ignored. Five years ago, the UK took the lead in helping to avert widespread catastrophe in the Horn of Africa, but has lacked the political will to respond soon enough this time around.

“Whilst we welcome the government’s new funding, it is far from sufficient to help the 7 million people facing extreme hunger in Somalia, and much more needs to be done.

“Save the Children is calling on the UK to make an urgent investment of £70 million to help treat an additional one million acutely malnourished children.

“It could also bring together experts to address barriers stopping children from getting the lifesaving treatment they need, and resolve the systemic issues that have again allowed children to reach the brink of death.

“We urge the UK to act on these recommendations in order to meet the scale of the need and ensure its reputation as a global leader.”

For further enquiries, please contact our media team at media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44 (0)7831 650409