Somalia

This year, nearly 25% of Somalia’s population will require some form of humanitarian assistance. Technically this is a 20% decrease from 2025, but this doesn’t mean that the situation has improved. The reduced numbers in need reflect a revised approach led by the United Nations known as “hyperprioritisation” (directing shrinking resources where needs are greatest in order to save the lives of those most at risk). Last year, the UN’s humanitarian response plan was less than 25% funded. 

In the first half of 2026, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) estimates that nearly 6.5 million people will face crisis levels of hunger – or higher. Malnutrition rates in Somalia have risen for two consecutive years as well, with the IPC estimating that 1.84 million children will suffer acute malnutrition this year (including 483,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition). 

In addition to malnutrition, other health issues persist including outbreaks of measles, cholera, and malaria. Access to education is also declining, with the UN estimating that 62% of school-aged children are out of the classroom (up from 56% in 2024). Displacement rates are also on the rise in light of ongoing conflict, evictions, and natural disasters, leaving hundreds of thousands of families facing protection risks in crowded displacement camps.

Despite these challenges, Concern has worked in Somalia for 40 years delivering both lifesaving emergency assistance and long-term development and resilience-building programmes. We continue to do so in 2026 with a focus on local partnerships, supporting Somali-led solutions to Somali challenges.