Funding to address acute malnutrition in certain regions of Somalia has decreased by over 80% this year, as reported by Doctors Without Borders. Despite one in four children in displacement camps in southwest Somalia being severely malnourished, the organization highlighted significant funding cuts from the United States and other Western donors.

Mitchell Sangma, a health advisor at Doctors Without Borders, emphasized the reduction in support from the United States, which went from $70 million last year to zero funding this year, impacting aid agencies’ ability to meet the rising needs. This year, the organization has treated 22,000 nutrition cases, marking an increase of over 80% from the previous year.

A survey conducted by MSF in July revealed alarming malnutrition rates, with one in four children in displacement sites in Baidoa, southwest Somalia, being severely malnourished. The study also found that a third of families were surviving on just one meal per day, with only two percent able to afford three meals.

Somalia is grappling with a deepening hunger crisis exacerbated by consecutive failed rainy seasons that have damaged crops, livestock, and water sources. Ongoing conflict and insecurity have further complicated the situation, leading to disruptions in livelihoods and restricted access to food, healthcare, and aid.

In February, the Somali government and the United Nations estimated that about 6.5 million people in the country were facing acute hunger due to drought conditions. Doctors Without Borders reported a high rate of acute malnutrition among children under five in Baidoa, with rates reaching approximately 50%.

The United Nations reported that over half a million people were displaced in Somalia in the first quarter of 2026, predominantly driven by drought. Women and children accounted for the majority of those displaced, highlighting the vulnerability of these groups.

The current crisis in Somalia is evoking concerns of a recurrence of the near-famine experienced in 2022. However, aid agencies are facing significant funding shortages, with only around $300 million available for Somalia from donors compared to $2.2 billion provided during the 2022 drought crisis.

Allara Ali, the project coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Somalia, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating that proactive measures are essential to prevent loss of lives. The organization emphasized the critical need for immediate action, pointing out that waiting for a famine declaration before responding is not an option.