MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia is seeing a sharp rise in severe acute malnutrition among children at World Vision-supported health facilities amid worsening drought conditions nationwide.
Between January and March, over 3,500 children were diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition, a 60% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Aid workers say the surge is driven by prolonged drought and failed rainy seasons, severely limiting food and water access across Somalia.
Children under age five are most vulnerable, with many now facing life-threatening complications linked to acute malnutrition and prolonged food insecurity nationwide.
Funding cuts have further strained Somalia’s health and nutrition sector, forcing closure of more than 250 health facilities across the country.
Only 4% of required funding has been received, leaving millions of vulnerable children at heightened risk as services struggle to continue operating.
World Vision Somalia National Director Kevin Mackey warned the country is nearing a full-scale hunger crisis with worsening conditions nationwide rapidly.
He said children are arriving at facilities on the brink of starvation, while remaining centers are overwhelmed and facing uncertain futures ahead.
World Vision Health Adviser Zerihun Merea said some children are too weak to cry, with bodies shutting down after days without food.
He added mothers are walking hours to reach care, warning delays in funding could collapse programs and lead to preventable child deaths.