Millions of children in Somalia are enduring the impacts of conflict, climate-related disasters, disease outbreaks and economic instability.
Once renowned for its ancient trade routes and nomadic lifestyle, Somalia’s stunning coastline was a bustling hub that connected Africa with the Middle East and Asia. Over the years, the nation has evolved into a rich tapestry of African, Arab, Persian and Indian traditions.
However, the lives of Somalia’s children have been overshadowed by decades of colonial rule, ongoing violence, political instability, and frequent natural disasters like droughts, floods and famine. These compounding challenges have displaced over 3.8 million people and have left 4.5 million children in dire need of humanitarian support.
Alongside our partners, UNICEF continues to support children and their families in Somalia, providing lifesaving services and supplies.
Located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia borders Ethiopia, Kenya and the Arabian Sea.
Latest statements from UNICEF
How UNICEF is tackling malnutrition in Somalia
The statistics are heartbreaking, but our dedicated teams are delivering hope to little ones in Somalia amidst the malnutrition crisis.
Somalia’s many challenges
In a war-torn nation that’s grappling with multiple challenges, children are bearing the heaviest burden. Somalia has the highest number of zero-dose children in the world and is battling multiple epidemics, including cholera – a disease that can easily be prevented with vaccines. Tragically, 1 in 8 children will pass away before they turn five, and 1 in 20 women aged 15 to 49 will die from pregnancy or birth-related complications every year.
Somalia is also experiencing a chronic food shortage, putting millions of children at risk of malnutrition. Up to 4.9 million school-aged children are missing out on an education, with nearly 2.4 million children needing humanitarian support to start, return to, or continue their education. Young girls are suffering from the harmful practice of female genital mutilation, and over 6.6 million people are in urgent need of emergency water services.
4.5 m
Over 4.5 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance.
3.8 m
over 3.8 million people have been displaced due to armed conflict and climate change.
3.6 m
In 2024, between 3.6 and 4.9 million school-aged children in Somalia were out of school.
How is UNICEF helping?
UNICEF has been in Somalia since 1972, working alongside our partners to provide millions of children and their families with access to education, safe drinking water, and lifesaving healthcare and nutrition, including vaccines against preventable, life-threatening diseases.
We create safe, child-friendly spaces for survivors of gender-based and sexual violence, and for unaccompanied children separated from their families due to conflict or displacement. Through our child protection services, psychosocial support, and family reunification efforts, we help these deeply traumatised children heal and rebuild their lives.
The need in Somalia is immense, and we need your help to deliver for every child.
301,000 +
people were provided with access to essential, lifesaving health services in UNICEF-supported facilities in the first half of 2024.
762,000 +
people reached with emergency water services in targeted settlements and communities in the first half of 2024.
Donate to children in emergencies
Millions of children around the world face devastating losses and uncertain futures caused by natural disasters, public health crises and ongoing wars and conflicts. We can’t stop emergencies from happening, but we can ensure that more children survive.
