About 1.8 million children under the age of five in Somalia will likely suffer from acute malnutrition over the course of 2023 and are in need of treatment. Of these, nearly 478,000 children are likely severely malnourished. Results from 31 integrated surveys conducted between October and December 2022 indicate high levels of acute malnutrition in many areas. Food insecurity conditions, outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) /cholera and measles are contributing to high levels of acute malnutrition. These assessment results show low levels of mortality (Crude Death Rate and/or Under-Five Death Rate) in most of the surveyed areas. However, agropastoral populations in Baidoa and Burhakaba districts and displaced populations in Baidoa, agropastoral populations in Middle Shabelle and displaced populations in Mogadishu have recorded very high mortality rates. 

Scale up nutrition interventions

Implement blanket supplementary feeding in the most affected areas to protect children and women from acute malnutrition, given the projected worsening 

of an already precarious situation. Pursue a multi-sectoral approach to prevent acute malnutrition by incorporating livelihood / resilience activities into multi-sectoral nutrition response. Further scale-up mass screening, integrated outreach services, coordination and nutrition surveillance across Somalia.

Promote de-escalation of violence and facilitate response

The parties to the conflict in Somalia must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians, especially those most in need, which is impartial and conducted without any adverse distinction, subject to their right of control.