Why are we in Somalia? Our programmes respond to the effects of natural disasters, such as drought and floods, as well as population displacements caused by conflict and ongoing insecurity. We work on emergency responses and also longer-term programmes that seek to build the resilience of affected communities.
From 2016 to 2018, four successive below-average rainy seasons resulted in crop failure, widespread livestock deaths and loss of assets, thus causing large-scale population displacements, hunger and malnutrition. In 2018, unexpected heavy rains and cyclone Sagar led to widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure and shelter as well as an increase in water-borne disease.
Current estimates from UNOCHA put the number of people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance at 4.2 million. In addition, there are two million internally displaced people across the whole of Somalia, out of a total population of approximately 12 million. A new Somali Federal Government was elected in 2017, and successful Presidential elections took place later the same year. Despite this progress, security remains a major challenge in parts of the country, resulting in instability and continued displacement.
Nutrition
In 2018, Concern provided over 51,000 nutrition consultations for children and adults; treated over 28,000 children and mothers for acute malnutrition; provided almost 5,000 antenatal check-ups; immunised over 1,300 children; and trained 88 community health workers.
Cash transfers
Livelihood support
We respond to emergencies such as drought, floods and population displacements caused by conflict and ongoing insecurity, and we build resilience within communities to these shocks.
