ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Published purpose

July 2011 – Failure of the rains in late 2010 brought harsh drought conditions to most of Somalia and a significant reduction of food security for most of the population. Global acute malnutrition rates are at 16% nationally (above emergency levels) and have surpassed famine thresholds of 30% in a number of regions. The UN reports that 3.7 million people in Somalia, more than half the population, require urgent assistance, as they face drought, conflict and record high food prices. With CIDA support, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing direct emergency assistance to an estimated 1 million internally displaced persons and other populations affected by conflict. This includes the provision of emergency food assistance, water and sanitation facilities, medical support, emergency shelter, and protection.