Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is supporting Trocaire Somalia with an 11-month humanitarian nutrition project in Belet Hawa, Luuq and Dollow districts, Gedo Region, Somalia. Somalia continues to reel from the compound effects of armed conflict and insecurity that have been aggravated by recurrent climatic shocks, desert locust infestations, disease outbreaks and increasing poverty.
Currently the country is experiencing its worst drought in four decades which is resulting in displacement, poor food security outcomes and increased acute malnutrition. The number of acutely malnourished children being admitted to treatment centers is increasing at a rate that is disproportionate to the resources available for treatment.
With this response, Trocaire Somalia will provide lifesaving nutrition interventions primarily to children under the age of five and lactating women. This includes identifying children with severe and moderate acute malnutrition, admitting them to local health centers, and providing therapeutic (Plumpy’nut) and supplementary foods (Plumpy’sup). Other services will also be provided to mothers and caretakers (including fathers) to improve nutrition such as infant and young child feeding practices training.
Approximately 22,000 people are planned to receive assistance through this project.