The Horn of Africa is facing its worst health crisis in recent history due to increased disease outbreaks and climate-related health emergencies, exacerbating the already dire situation of 47 million people facing acute hunger.

The region is currently experiencing the worst drought in 40 years, with a fifth consecutive rainy season failure anticipated, and some areas are also dealing with flooding and conflict. Many people have lost their livelihoods and are relying on assistance to meet their basic needs.

Baidoa district in Somalia is particularly affected by the drought, with high numbers of internally displaced persons and a healthcare system struggling to provide for them. The World Health Organization is providing health and nutrition services to the vulnerable population through local Rapid Response Teams and Community Health Workers.

The consortium predicts that by April 2023, over half of the country’s population, or 8 million Somalis, could be going hungry and 700,000 at risk of starvation.