SaveTheChildren 102d ago

What happens when international aid disappears? In this episode of In Their Words, we speak with Claire Sanford, Director of Conflict and Humanitarian at Save the Children, about the growing humanitarian crisis in Somalia—and what recent international aid cuts mean for children and families on the ground. Drawing on years of experience and multiple visits to Somalia, Claire explains how drought, conflict and funding cuts are combining to create a dangerous situation for millions of children. From rising malnutrition to health centres closing and essential services disappearing, she shares what she has seen first-hand, and why urgent action is needed now. —— Video Chapters —— 00:00 - Intro 00:46 - Past humanitarian crises in Somalia 03:26 - The impact of the aid cuts 06:00 - Save the Children’s work in Somalia 06:53 - The Baidoa Health Centre 08:46 - Why international aid is important 11:44 - A final message on international aid ————— Somalia is facing one of its most severe food and nutrition crises in years. After successive failed rainy seasons - including the October-December 2025 Deyr rains - hunger and malnutrition are rising rapidly. An estimated 6.5 million people (one third of the population) are experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity or worse. More than 2 million people face emergency conditions, with families struggling to access enough food and basic services. Children are among the hardest hit. In 2026, 1.84 million children under five are expected to suffer acute malnutrition, including 483,000 with severe acute malnutrition requiring urgent lifesaving treatment. At the same time, humanitarian support is shrinking. Food assistance is reaching only a small fraction of those in need, and hundreds of nutrition facilities have closed due to funding cuts. Health centres are reducing services or shutting down entirely, leaving many children without access to treatment, vaccinations or protection services. Somalia has shown before that early action can prevent catastrophe. But without urgent funding and international support, the risks of widespread suffering—and preventable child deaths—are growing. ✍️ Donate to our Children's Emergency Fund - https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/how-you-can-help/emergencies ✍️ 🔗Find out more about our work in Somalia: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/africa/somalia —— In Their Words is a new series from Save the Children UK, where we interview experts to bring you deeper insights into the issues that shape children’s lives—and how we can work together to create change.