Main Points
In November 2025, Somalia formally announced a drought emergency situation underlining the critical nature of the crisis and the immediate requirement for humanitarian support.
The ongoing drought is creating a humanitarian crisis of extraordinary scale, with approximately 4.4 million people projected to face food insecurity between October and December 2025. Of these, 1.85 million children are experiencing acute malnutrition, with 421,000 of them suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
The humanitarian situation in Somalia is deteriorating due to substantial funding reductions that are impeding health and nutrition programs. The consequent shutdown of vital health centers has interrupted essential services, especially those benefiting women and children, heightening their susceptibility and further restricting access to critical medical care.
The severe shortage of clean water intensifies malnutrition and triggers health emergencies. At present, the drought has deprived more than 5.2 million people of safe water sources, resulting in active cases of cholera, diarrhea, and measles.