In the first 7 weeks of 2017, over 6,000 cases and 65 deaths by acute watery diarrhea/cholera have been reported, and a total of 2,578 cases of suspected measles were reported as of September 2016. According to United Nations estimates, if the current food and security situation continues these numbers are estimated to double in 2017.ĭrought conditions have increased the spread of epidemic-prone diseases such as acute watery diarrhea, cholera and measles. More than 360,000 acutely malnourished children and 70,000 severely malnourished children are in need of urgent and life-saving support. Acute drought in many parts of Somalia has reduced the availability of clean water sources, and the food crisis has given way to malnutrition. Nearly 5.5 million people are at risk of contracting waterborne diseases, more than half of whom are women and children under 5 years of age. The coming together of a drought, famine and conflict is particularly devastating for women, whilst attempting to save their children from starvation, malnutrition and disease, women in Somalia are subject to conflict-related security threats including sexual violence and rape. Mostly women and children are displaced within Somalia after being forced to flee their homes, many of which are at risk of rape, the effects of war still continue even after the fighting ends. Under these life-threatening circumstances, it is reported many women and girls are at risk of sexual violence and exploitation. Many are forced to sell their livestock and others are forced to leave their home in search of food and water. More than 6.2 million people – half of the total population are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, including almost 3 million facing a food security crisis.
The humanitarian situation in East Africa continues to deteriorate, and there is a high risk the country will face its third famine in 25 years.
The devastating impact of the famine and conflict on women and girls