Malnutrition Crisis Worsens Among Children in Baidoa Displaced Camps, MSF Reports
Summary
Malnutrition among children in displaced camps in Baidoa, southwestern Somalia, has worsened sharply, with MSF saying about half of more than 21,000 children under five screened since January showed signs of malnutrition. Funding cuts, drought, and insecurity are compounding a worsening humanitarian crisis across Somalia.
Key Points
- MSF says malnutrition among children in Baidoa’s displaced camps has become severe, with around 50 percent of more than 21,000 children under five screened since January showing signs of malnutrition.
- A July survey in 888 households across 14 camps found only 2 percent of families could afford three meals a day.
- MSF has expanded its malnutrition treatment center from 50 to 120 beds as admissions continue to rise and readmissions remain above 60 percent.
- UN and MSF say drought, shrinking humanitarian funding, and insecurity are worsening Somalia’s broader food insecurity and displacement crisis.
