UNICEF Sounds Alarm as Funding Cuts Close 205 Health Facilities in Somalia
UNICEF warns funding cuts have shuttered 205 health facilities in Somalia, worsening malnutrition and limiting access to essential child services.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 23, 2026
2 min read
UNICEF has raised urgent concerns over the impact of significant funding reductions on Somalia's health and nutrition services. The agency reports that 205 health and nutrition centres have been forced to close, severely restricting access to vital care.
The closures have led to a 30% decline in health and nutrition coverage, with the risk that up to 618 facilities could shut down if funding continues to dwindle. This crisis is driving more children into treatment centres with severe acute malnutrition; admissions have surged by 32% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.
Rising Malnutrition and Service Disruptions
Nearly 1.9 million children in Somalia are expected to suffer from malnutrition this year, including approximately 500,000 with severe acute cases. UNICEF warns that almost one million vulnerable groups—including children under five, adolescent girls, and women—face losing access to nutrition services due to the funding shortfall.
The reduction in community-based programmes means many children are identified only when their condition becomes critical, requiring specialised treatment. Additionally, families must travel greater distances to reach functioning facilities, increasing the risk of delayed care and preventable deaths.
Broader Impact on Water, Education, and Child Protection
- Access to safe water is also compromised, with more than 1.6 million people lacking reliable supply and over 800,000 at risk of losing hygiene essentials. Water prices in rural areas have quadrupled, making it unaffordable for many.
- Education funding dropped by US$30 million in 2025, leading to over 78,000 student dropouts and placing 660,000 more at risk of leaving school.
- Child protection services have suffered closures of at least 65 centres, threatening critical support such as psychological care, family tracing, and reintegration programmes.
The funding crisis unfolds amid ongoing drought, conflict, and displacement, compounded by rising costs of fuel and fertilisers that strain agricultural communities.
Between 2021 and 2025, UNICEF supported over 2.25 million admissions for severe acute malnutrition, achieving a 97.6% cure rate in 2025. The agency stresses the presence of effective programmes and partners but highlights the urgent need for sustained funding.
UNICEF is appealing to donors to maintain and increase support for health, nutrition, water, education, and child protection services to prevent further deterioration of child welfare in Somalia.
