Somalia is grappling with a deepening hunger crisis as severe child malnutrition cases at Kismayo General Hospital have increased by 41% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The surge in admissions reflects the combined effects of prolonged drought, rising food and fuel prices, and significant cuts in humanitarian aid. These factors have left many families unable to afford essential goods or access healthcare services.
The ICRC has expanded support to Somali Red Crescent nutrition clinics from 10 to 22; however, access remains limited, especially in rural areas where health facilities are scarce or have closed due to funding shortages. Families often endure long, difficult journeys to reach treatment centres.
One example is three-year-old Hassan, admitted with severe malnutrition and related complications after his mother spent days travelling on flooded roads to reach care. Rising transport costs, driven by fuel price hikes following regional shipping disruptions, further hinder access to treatment.
Local traders report fuel prices more than doubling, with five litres now costing about $8.50 (Sh1,099), while staple food prices have also soared. This inflation exacerbates food insecurity and the impact of drought on livelihoods.
Urgent Need for Increased Support
Antoine Grand, head of the ICRC delegation in Somalia, highlighted the critical situation: "The combined impact of rising costs, drought effects, and aid reductions is devastating families at their most vulnerable." Despite Somalia being the ICRC's third-largest African operation with an $80 million annual budget, Grand warned that without urgent, sustained international funding, the crisis will worsen and recent resilience gains may be lost.
