The European Union has committed €63 million in humanitarian funding to assist the most vulnerable communities throughout Somalia, which are affected by persistent conflict and displacement, coupled with deteriorating drought conditions and escalating food prices.

The announcement follows a surge in drought-related food insecurity and malnutrition rates across Somalia, where 6.5 million people (approximately one in three Somalis) are experiencing hunger, with an estimated 1.85 million children under five facing acute malnutrition.

The EU funding will prioritize life-saving integrated health and nutrition services, including treatment for severe and acute malnutrition, emergency cash assistance, water, sanitation, protection, and emergency education. The assistance will be channeled through trusted EU humanitarian partners operating on the ground, ensuring that aid reaches the most affected populations in a timely, inclusive, and effective manner.

To further coordinate the emergency response to the intensifying food crisis, the EU is participating today in a Global Leadership Roundtable, following Somalia’s activation of its ‘Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan.’

Including this latest contribution, the EU has allocated more than €750 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia since 2017.

As humanitarian programs face significant reductions due to global aid cuts, the EU remains dedicated to delivering emergency relief to Somalia’s most vulnerable populations.