Emergency Healthcare and Nutrition for Internally Displaced People in Somalia - Save the Children 20

March 2021 - Despite progress towards sustainable political stability the impact of more than three decades of insecurity exacerbated by frequently recurring drought increasing seasonal flooding an ongoing historic infestation of desert locusts and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has left much of the population without access to basic services and ever more vulnerable to the next shock. Internal displacement remains at record levels with an estimated 2.6 million internally displaced people (IDPs) living in more than 2 400 sites across the country and severe food insecurity is projected to increase in 2021 as a La Niña weather event is expected to bring renewed drought conditions early in the year. Altogether an estimated 5.9 million people in Somalia will require humanitarian assistance in 2021. With GAC’s support Save the Children is preventing and treating acute malnutrition and improving access to healthcare amongst drought- and conflict-affected IDPs returnees and host communities in Somalia’s Lower Juba region. Project activities include: (1) providing training and support for local health workers and facilities; and (2) providing screening for and treatment of acute malnutrition.

The expected outcomes for this project include the reduced rates of morbidity and mortality due to illness including acute malnutrition and injury amongst internally displaced persons returnees and host communities in Somalia’s Lower Juba region. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.