“We are seeing a dangerous increase in emergency hunger levels, and our ability to respond is reducing day by day,” said Ross Smith, Emergency Director of the PMA.
“Without urgent funds, The families already pushed to the limit will run out of nothing in which they need it more. “
A surprising 4.4 million Somalis face a level of food insecurity or worse, the last IPC index internationally backed, a global standard to measure hunger and malnutrition. That means that millions must resort to extreme lengths, such as selling essential media assets, to obtain the calories they need.
Multiple crises at the same time
The country’s hunger crisis develops in a fragile and rapid movement context, where even the little clashes can have devastating consequences for families and communities, according to the PMA.
This year, the effects composed of severe drought, conflict and reduced humanitarian assistance have quickly pushed those most vulnerable to food insecurity levels.
Somalia also undergoes an increase in displacement due to droughts. The affected communities already fight with the shortage of water and hunger, have lost a lot of their cattle, the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office (Ocha) in Somalia reported.
In the regions of the north and this one, less than 30 percent of the population has access to safe water.
Less financing, less assistance
As a result of fund cuts, the number of people who receive emergency The PMA assistance will decrease from 1.1 million in August to only 350,000 next month; That makes essential food assistance available for less than 1 in 10 people.
Malnutrition is already alarmingly high, with 1.8 million children under five malnourished. WFP nutrition programs also face reductions with only 180,000 children who still receive nutritional treatment.
The agency leads the largest humanitarian operation in Somalia, supporting more than 90 percent of the country’s food security response, but requires $ 98 million to maintain operations for 800,000 people during the lean season, when the food is less available, until March next year.
“The current level of response is well below what is required to meet growing needs,” said Mr. Smith.