KEY POINTS
Somalia’s humanitarian situation is projected to worsen in 2026, with at least 4.8 million individuals, comprising 3 million children, requiring urgent humanitarian aid.1 Severe malnutrition endangers 1.85 million children under five2 , among them 430,000 with acute malnutrition, stemming from recurring climate disasters, extended conflicts, and a vulnerable healthcare system on the verge of collapse3 . Insufficient rainfall associated with persistent La Niña conditions4 will likely intensify food shortages, with over 4.4 million5 people anticipated to experience critical hunger levels (IPC Phase 3 or above) by December 31, 2025.

UNICEF will implement accelerated programmatic transformations in 2026 to enhance the provision of life-saving interventions across multiple sectors. This involves enhanced localization, community-based service delivery, UNICEF’s function as final provider of essential services, and improved coordination across health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), child protection, education, and social protection programs.

UNICEF is requesting $121 million to assist 1.2 million beneficiaries, including 744,000 children (372,000 girls), with priority funding allocated to nutrition, health, WASH, and child protection – the areas demonstrating the most critical needs.

MAJOR OBJECTIVES FOR 2026
850,000 children and women receiving basic healthcare services
430,000 children with acute malnutrition enrolled in treatment programs
116,000 children and guardians accessing community-based mental health and psychosocial support
1.2 million people provided with essential WASH supplies