WFP, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to combat malnutrition in Somalia

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a $4.5 million agreement to treat and prevent malnutrition among thousands of mothers and children in Somalia. The agreement, formalized on September 25, 2024, comes amid a food crisis compounded by the country’s extreme weather conditions.

Food crisis exacerbated by drought

Somalia has been facing major humanitarian challenges for several years. In 2022, an estimated 7.8 million Somalis were affected by drought, and in 2023, more than 6.6 million people suffered from hunger. Among them, 1.8 million children are affected by acute malnutrition, WFP said. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, continue to destroy the livelihoods of thousands of families, making food increasingly inaccessible, according to El-Khidir Daloum, WFP Country Director in Somalia.

Essential support for mothers and children

The agreement, signed by WFP Executive Director Cindy Hensley McCain and Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, General Supervisor of the Saudi Humanitarian Center KSrelief, will provide nutritional assistance to more than 57,300 malnourished pregnant and lactating women, as well as nearly 122,850 children under two years of age. The initiative aims to combat malnutrition among the country’s most vulnerable populations.

Drought and its dramatic consequences

The humanitarian situation in Somalia is made even more critical by a historic drought, marked by a fifth consecutive season without rain in 2024. About 90% of the population is exposed to extreme drought conditions, according to UNICEF. The agency predicts that 1.7 million children under five will suffer from acute malnutrition by the end of the year, and more than 800,000 people are already in a food emergency.

A context of acute malnutrition and nutritional challenges

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Somalia is among the countries with the highest rates of acute malnutrition in the world. The situation is compounded by micronutrient deficiencies, due to limited access to nutritious foods. These challenges are caused by a variety of factors, including droughts, floods and locust infestations, which severely affect food production.

Conclusion

The agreement between WFP and Saudi Arabia represents a glimmer of hope for the thousands of Somali women and children who are suffering from malnutrition. In the face of unprecedented drought and recurring food crises, this financial and nutritional assistance is crucial to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations in Somalia. However, the crisis remains deep, and continued efforts will be needed to overcome the climate and food challenges in the country.