Development and Peace/ Caritas Canada is supporting Trócaire Somalia with a twelve-month humanitarian nutrition response project in four districts of Gedo region, Somalia.
6.5 million people in Somalia are facing IPC 3 or worse acute food insecurity. Ongoing conflict and insecurity remain the primary drivers of food insecurity in Somalia. Additional challenges such as high food prices and the effects of a three-year drought are further exacerbating the situation.
Malnutrition is a particular challenge. 1.8 million children are severely malnourished and acute malnutrition rates in the target area are climbing.
In response to these challenges, Trócaire Somalia will provide lifesaving nutritional services to children under five and pregnant and lactating women. Specifically, this project will support stabilization centres, an outpatient therapeutic program, targeted supplementary feeding, and nutritional outreach services to the community. Infant and young child feeding practices training will also be provided to mothers and caretakers (including fathers) to improve nutrition.
Over 22,000 people are planned to receive assistance through this project.