Somalia’s child crisis deepens: 32% surge in severe malnutrition admissions

The number of children admitted to Somali stabilization centers with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications has risen by 32% in the past year, according to James Elder, a spokesperson for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The warning comes as hundreds of health and nutrition facilities across the country have shut down, deepening an already critical situation. Stabilization centers are specialized units that provide round-the-clock care for children who are dangerously underweight and often suffering from additional illnesses such as pneumonia or diarrhea. UNICEF attributes the surge to a combination of prolonged drought, rising food prices, and limited access to basic healthcare. The closure of facilities, driven by funding shortfalls and insecurity, means many families must travel longer distances for treatment, often arriving too late. Elder stressed that without immediate intervention, the death toll among vulnerable children could rise sharply. He called for urgent international support to reopen closed centers and expand community-based nutrition programs to reach the most affected regions. The agency is working with local partners to identify the hardest-hit areas and prioritize emergency supplies, but warned that current resources are insufficient to meet the growing demand.