A new report reveals that the ongoing drought in Somalia, which has persisted since 2022, has resulted in at least 71,000 “excess deaths” beyond the expected number. The study, conducted between January 2022 and June 2024, was commissioned by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Somalia’s Ministry of Health.
According to the findings, nearly 40% of the lives lost were children under the age of five. Dr. Najib Isse Dirie, deputy director for research at SIMAD University in Mogadishu, which contributed to the study, emphasized that the deaths were largely due to the cumulative impact of five consecutive failed rainy seasons, which led to widespread food shortages, malnutrition, and increased vulnerability to disease.
The drought has brought parts of the country to the brink of famine, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. This crisis echoes the 2011 famine in Somalia, which claimed over a quarter of a million lives. The findings highlight the urgent need for continued international support to address food insecurity, health crises, and the long-term effects of climate-related challenges in Somalia.
The report underscores the devastating impact of climate-induced disasters on vulnerable populations, particularly children, and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the consequences of future droughts in the region.
