Acute malnutrition is worsening across Somalia. An estimated 1.92 million children aged 6–59 months and 157,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are suffering or expected to suffer from acute malnutrition from July 2026–June 2027. Over half of estimated cases are concentrated in the southern part of the country due to reduced access to health and nutrition services, disease outbreaks, acute food insecurity, and poor access to water and sanitation. 

In the current period, 19 areas are classified as IPC Acute Malnutrition (AMN) Phase 4 (Critical). Further deterioration is expected during the projection period as El Niño rains heighten disease burden, reduce access to safe water, and severely limit access to health and nutrition services.  Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Beletweyne are projected to face IPC AMN Phase 5 (Extremely Critical), which is characterised by high disease prevalence and widespread deaths.  

• Immediately scale up targeted humanitarian assistance—including food, nutrition, health, livelihoods and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)—for vulnerable populations in hotspot areas, including those facing a risk of Famine. 
• Restore closed primary healthcare and nutrition services in areas experiencing high levels of acute malnutrition in addition to sustaining current services. 
• Advocate for maternal, infant, young child, and adolescent nutrition interventions to address immediate and underlying causes of acute malnutrition, with an emphasis on promoting optimal infant and young child feeding practices.