The situation in somalia
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with conflict, climate shocks, and food shortages pushing millions of children to the brink. The situation is dire and set to get worse as the number of children and adults in urgent need of support has soared to nearly 5.98 million. Severe food and water shortages, mass displacement and limited access to health and education services is threatening children’s survival and development across the country.
An estimated 1.8 million children under five are projected to face acute malnutrition - including 430,000 with the most severe and life-threatening form. 4.6 million people - 17% of the population - are experiencing crisis or emergency levels of hunger, driven by drought, conflict, and funding cuts to humanitarian programmes.
Two in three children in Somalia have experienced severe food poverty in early childhood, making them up to 50% more likely to develop life-threatening malnutrition. This is one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.
Millions more are displaced. Families who have fled conflict and climate shocks arrive at camps with little support, no income, and children who have missed months or years of school. The compounding effect of hunger, displacement, and disrupted education is creating a crisis that will affect a generation - unless we act.
Page updated April 2026
When Aid Disappears, Childhoods Disappear Too - Fifteen Years of Lessons in Somalia
Read our latest report
"When Aid Disappears, Childhoods Disappear Too - Fifteen Years of Lessons in Somalia: Why Global Solidarity Must Return in 2026 to Protect Children" examines how fifteen years of recurring humanitarian crises in Somalia have demonstrated the life-saving importance of timely, sustained international aid—and the devastating consequences when that aid is withdrawn.
Drawing on lessons from the 2011 famine, the 2017 drought response, the compounded shocks of COVID-19 and climate extremes between 2020 and 2022, and the historic funding collapse of 2025, the document shows that early warning systems only protect children when backed by rapid action, flexible funding, and integrated multi-sector services.
How we're helping children in Somalia right now
We deliver integrated humanitarian support, including in child protection, nutrition, health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene and food security and livelihoods. In 2025, Save the Children Somalia reached 3.5 million people including 1.9 million children.
Our work includes:
CHILD PROTECTION
- Provide case management and psychosocial support to children.
- Identify and support unaccompanied and separated children, delivering family tracking, reunification, and safe itnerim care.
- Operate Child Friendly Spaces so children can have a safe space to play.
EDUCATION
- Provide education support to children in displacement camps, drought-affected communities, and conflict-impacted regions.
- Rehabilitating and constructing hundreds of classrooms, improving the learning environment and reducing overcrowding.
HEALTH
- Deliver maternal and newborn health care services, and treatment for malaria and pneumonia.
- Vaccinate children for measles, polio, and tetanus.
NUTRITION
- Provide screening and treatment of malnutrition.
- Deliver Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counseling to mothers and caregivers, equipping them with practical knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding, safe complementary feeding, and maternal nutrition.
WASH
- Provide clean water through emergency water trucking at displacement sites and schools.
- Distribute hygiene kits, containing soap, sanitary pads, jerry cans, and water purification tablets.
What this support means in practice
Salma*, Mohamed* and Jamal* smiling to the camera
Every morning, Salma*, 13, walks to school with her friends. She's in Grade 6, studying Somali, Mathematics and Science, and her dream is to become a doctor.
Behind her story is her mother, Suleika*, who cares for nine children with no stable income. Cash assistance - received in June 2025 through our programme with Somali Peace Line - helped Suleika pay rent, reduce debts, and cover school costs. She also attended nutrition awareness sessions that changed how she manages food and healthcare for the whole family.
"Education helped me learn how to read, write, and believe in my future, and now I know I can achieve my dreams," said Salma*. "I want to become a doctor so I can help people, support my mother, and serve my community."
Mumtaaz* is nine years old. More than four years ago, escalating violence forced her family to flee their home. When she arrived at the camp she felt withdrawn and unhappy - she didn't know anyone and rarely went outside. She also lives with a sight condition that makes dusty, windy days painful.
After being identified through the camp's referral system, she was referred to a child-friendly space. With adapted activities, close support from facilitators, and space to play and learn at her own pace, Mumtaaz made friends, grew in confidence, and began to thrive. Her mother received cash assistance and parenting support. Now Mumtaaz wants to become a doctor to help other children in displacement.
"Since Mumtaaz started attending the child friendly space, I have seen many positive changes. She has made friends, she is learning, and she is happier and more confident," said Rahma*, Mumtaaz's mother.
Names changed to protect identities.
Mumtaaz* and her mother Rahma* sitting inside their house
Save the Children in Somalia
Save the Children has worked in Somalia for over 70 years, since 1951 as a national and international leader in humanitarian and development programming. Our programs encompass health and nutrition, education, child protection, and child rights governance. With a long operational history and broad geographical reach, we have established strong, positive relationships with key stakeholders in Somalia.
We work alongside communities, local partners, and the government to design and implement programs that meet the needs of children and their countries. Additionally, we advocate for increased public and private investments to support children’s well-being and rights.
