Crisis in Somalia: How to help

Over the last four decades, armed conflict and intercommunal violence have weakened Somalia’s health system and economy. Meanwhile, fighting continues to displace families and restrict movement for millions.

As of April 30, 2026, over 3.34 million Somalis are internally displaced. Many are living in increasingly crowded displacement camps, where resources are often hard to come by. 

This has had a disproportionate effect on women and children, who make up nearly 80% of all internally-displaced Somalis.

» Learn more about the crisis in Somalia

Somalia has consistently ranked as the world's ”hungriest” country in recent years according to the Global Hunger Index, and in 2026 there is once again high risk for famine in parts of the country.

“Currently over six million people in Somalia are facing high levels of food insecurity and the number of acutely malnourished children is forecasted to reach 1.88 million by the end of the year,” says Richard Nunn, Concern’s Country Director in Somalia.

“Last month’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report warned there is a risk of famine in parts of Somalia. Poor rains and failed harvests reflect the collapse of local food production systems.”

» Learn more about hunger in Somalia

In recent years, Somalia has suffered successive failed rainy seasons, which have decimated crops, killed millions of livestock, and pushed millions to the brink of famine.

While the country saw some reprieve in 2023, severe drought conditions have returned. Last year, northern Somalia saw rainfall levels 60% below average — the driest conditions recorded since 1981. 

» Learn more about the Horn of Africa drought

Crises hit vulnerable groups disproportionately harder. This is especially true for children, whom UNICEF estimates make up roughly 44% of all internally displaced Somalis. Many struggle to get basic health needs met, including routine vaccinations and nutritional screenings. The IPC estimates that 1.88 million children under the age of 5 will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2026, an estimated increase compared to recent years. 

The crisis has also stripped millions of children of their right to an education. In 2025, an estimated 3.4 million Somalis were out of school — roughly 58% of the country’s school-aged children.

Despite being among the most complex crises today, the humanitarian response in Somalia suffered a devastating setback when international funding was cut. The country’s inter-agency Humanitarian Country Team was forced to reduce its reach by 72%, shifting focus from 4.6 million people down to just 1.3 million.

The human cost of these cuts is immediate:

• Over 600,000 people lost critical emergency food assistance
• More than 200 health facilities were forced to close (with the UN warning that another 300 may also face closure this year)
• 60,500 children missed treatment for severe acute malnutrition
• 150,000 children with life-threatening severe acute malnutrition are expected to go untreated this year
• 800,000 people are expected to lose access to essential health services this year

Making matters worse, the current conflict in Iran has severely disrupted Red Sea shipping routes. Fuel prices in Somalia have increased by as much as 70% in some areas, trade routes for basic agricultural imports (including wheat and rice) have been interrupted, and food and water prices have further surged.