UN warns of unprecedented famine threat to Somalia

Spokesperson for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) James Elder said in a press statement that 44,000 children were admitted to health facility in Somalia due to severe malnutrition since August.

The United Nations has warned of famine, not seen in half a century, threatening Somalia. Spokesperson for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) James Elder said in a press statement that 44,000 children were admitted to health facility in Somalia due to severe malnutrition since August, noting that child is admitted to a health facility for treatment of severe acute malnutrition "every single minute of every single day". Elder explained that many children cannot even reach these health facilities due to the insecure conditions that dominate Somalia, pointing out that Somalia will face the death of children on a scale not seen in half a century if the international community does not increase its financial support. "Severely malnourished children are up to 11 times more likely to die of diarrhea and measles than well-nourished children. With rates such as these, Somalia is on the brink of a tragedy at a scale not seen in decades," Elder said.