11/12/2024
Doha, Qatar – November 11, 2024
In a significant humanitarian move aimed at alleviating the suffering of drought-affected children in Somalia, Qatar Charity (QC), in partnership with UNICEF, has launched an emergency nutrition project in displacement camps on the outskirts of the Somali capital Mogadishu, known as one of the most vulnerable regions to drought-induced displacement. More than 3,000 children are expected to benefit from the project.
The project aims to provide nutrition support to children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years to combat malnutrition and meet their basic nutritional needs.
The project has reached 500 children so far, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of stakeholders to improving the nutritional status of drought-affected children.
“In Somalia, an estimated 1.6 million children are expected to face acute malnutrition until July 2025, with 403,000 of them at risk of severe malnutrition, according to the latest analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).”
Mr Abd al-Fattah Adam Moalim, Director of QC's Somalia office, praised the partnership with UNICEF in this project, which is helping to improve the lives of displaced children. He emphasized that the distribution of high-energy biscuits is an important step in the fight against malnutrition, as it provides children with complete and nutritious meals that boost their immunity and support healthy growth.
Mr. Abdirahman Ahmed Mohamud, Director of the Health Directorate of Banadir Region, commended this humanitarian initiative to support affected children, stating, "This nutrition support comes at a crucial time to combat severe malnutrition among children." He expressed gratitude to Qatar Charity and UNICEF for their continued efforts to provide essential nutrition and health support to the affected communities.
The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for this support, highlighting its positive impact on their children. Aisha Ahmed Mohamed said, “We are very grateful to Qatar Charity and UNICEF for this support. These nutritious meals were essential for my children, especially during this difficult time.” Shukri Omar Roble added, “This support has come at the right time, and we are happy that the children are getting the good nutrition they need.”
It is worth mentioning that Qatar Charity and UNICEF are continuing their partnership in various projects. UNICEF provides medicines and nutritional supplement biscuits to health centers run by Qatar Charity in Mogadishu and the Bay region. Additionally, the collaboration includes the ‘UPSHIFT’ program, which focuses on youth empowerment. This initiative aims to support and empower 180 young people from various sectors by providing funding and guidance to help them acquire valuable skills that will contribute to their personal development and increase their chances of future employment.