In Somalia, an estimated 4 million people--or one-fifth of the population--face acute food insecurity; 3.8 million people are displaced from their homes; and 1.7 million children under five are acutely malnourished.
The protracted humanitarian crisis behind these shocking figures is a result of ongoing conflict, climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, recurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases, and high levels of poverty.In 2023, the city of Baidoa, in the South West state of Somalia , suffered extreme climatic conditions, including the worst drought in 40 years and floods related to El Niño--a climate phenomenon associated with extreme weather events.
When residents fall sick or need medical care, many displaced people in Baidoa struggle to reach a health facility."My sister was having labor pains but I could not take her to hospital to get medical care," said Fatima*, a 23-year-old woman living in a camp in Baidoa."Our biggest challenges are traveling on roads made impassable by flooding and insecurity, as well as the high cost of transport. We need better access to hospitals through ambulance services and good roads.
It is not only in Baidoa that health services are struggling. The humanitarian crisis and the rising numbers of displaced people are putting pressure on health care providers countrywide, including aid organizations. As patient numbers and costs increase, insecurity has disrupted the provision of medical and humanitarian aid.
News Politics Economy Trade Business Sports Current Events Travel Somalia East Africa Sustainable Development Food And Agriculture
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Somalia: UN Warns Upcoming Heavy Rains to Trigger Cholera Outbreak in SomaliaThe upcoming heavier-than-normal Gu (April to June) rains in Somalia are expected to trigger cholera outbreaks in areas where the disease has not been observed for years, the UN humanitarian agency warned Monday.
Read more »
Somalia: 16 Suspects Arrested in Somalia Hotel AttackSomalia's security agents have arrested 16 people in connection with the March 14 attack on an upscale hotel near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, the government has announced.
Read more »
Somalia: Cholera Kills At Least 54 in Somalia - Humanitarians Call for ActionAt least 54 people have lost their lives to cholera in Somalia in recent months. Nine of those deaths occurred within the past week, marking the highest weekly death toll this year, humanitarian group Save the Children said.
Read more »
Somalia: UN Officials Meet Minister of Finance of SomaliaThe Minister of Finance of SomaCatriona Lainglia, Bihi Iman Cige met with top United Nations officials in Mogadishu, the country's capital on Sunday.
Read more »
Somalia: UN Envoy and Puntland President Discussed Ways to Reduce Somalia's Political TensionsAs part of her regular engagement with Federal Member States (FMSs), the United Nations' top official for Somalia today visited Puntland for discussions on the state's development and humanitarian needs and political situation in the country.
Read more »
Somalia: Kenya's Miraa Exports to Somalia Suffer Due to High LeviesKenya's miraa exports are taking a severe blow from steep levies, compelling traders in Somalia to halt purchases of the stimulant from Kenya due to its dwindling competitiveness in the market.
Read more »