Somalia cannot find peace
2024 was a year of extremes for many people in Somalia: a prolonged drought was followed by severe flooding. Over 90 percent of the country was affected, and the food security of approximately 25 percent of the population was acutely threatened (WHH). 3.9 million people were forced to leave their homes, and around 850,000 fled Somalia (UN). At the same time, diseases such as cholera broke out – with dramatic consequences, especially for children. And yet: despite all the adversity, the people of Somalia are demonstrating resilience. They fight every day for the survival of their families, the health of their children, and a life of dignity.
Creating a better livelihood together
With the support of share, our partner Action Against Hunger was able to provide emergency food to over 22,000 children suffering from malnutrition in four particularly vulnerable regions last year alone. Mobile teams and local health centers deliver emergency food to where it is urgently needed: to camps for displaced people, to hard-to-reach villages, and to regions that often receive little attention.
Who we work with
We have partnered with experts in providing aid worldwide: vetted national and international aid organizations. We trust them because we can fully track how they use the funds. This ensures that our help reaches the right places.
Action Against Hunger has been active in Somalia since 1992. Despite the tense political situation, the staff on the ground are extremely well-connected and organized. They know exactly what kind of aid is most urgently needed and where the need is greatest.
As of 2024
5 yearsProject duration
1,763,801Euros donated
17,534,790distributed meals
116.899successfully treated children
When help arrives
The story of Mulki and her eight-month-old son Hassan demonstrates the difference the project can make. The family fled violence in their village and found refuge in a camp near Mogadishu. However, living conditions were difficult, and Hassan developed severe malnutrition, becoming weak and apathetic. His mother took him to a health center supported by share and Action Against Hunger. There, the team advocated for him – successfully: After a week of intensive treatment, Hassan made significant progress and began to play and laugh again.
Although the nationwide rate of acute malnutrition has decreased from 15.4% to 12.9% according to the FSNAU (Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit Somalia), local data from regions like Hudur and Elbarde show that hardship remains widespread. Dietary diversity is low, and resistance to disease is weakened.
What remains is the determination of the local people to face the challenges with perseverance. Women like Mulki, who carry their families through the crisis with great strength. And local aid workers who accomplish great things under adverse circumstances.
Measuring project success
The project in Somalia with Action Against Hunger is one of our most extensive and long-term interventions: Since 2019, we have been working together to improve healthcare and food security for the local population. Our partner reports on the project's progress annually.
In 2024, a total of 3,339,898 ready-to-eat therapeutic foods (RUTF) were distributed to 22,266 children under the age of five. The project achieved a recovery rate of 98.9% among children treated for severe acute malnutrition.
This is how Action Against Hunger, together with its partners, measures the success of the project:
On-site data collection: Follow-up is carried out through regular visits by health workers who accompany the children weekly. Bimonthly check-ins as part of the nutrition and mortality monitoring system and annual surveys measure progress.
Accountability: To ensure that aid supplies are used as intended, beneficiaries must return empty sachet packaging before receiving new rations. This is supported by a two-tiered monitoring system with a digital database and manual records.
Feedback system: A toll-free call center allows beneficiaries to submit complaints and feedback in real time, contributing to the continuous improvement of the project.
Photos: Action against hunger (Hussein, Hassan, Haack, Issak, Abdinasir)
