The latest projection by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) indicates an improving food security situation in areas that were affected by 2016-2017 drought.
However, the magnitude of the above average rainfall and subsequent flooding, which was seen during the Gu season in addition to exacerbating pressures on already-vulnerable communities, has led to new challenges in the humanitarian situation.
The spread of waterborne diseases has sharply intensified – in June alone, there were a total of 1,692 new cases of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) reported across the country, a figure which represents a 48 per cent increase on the total figure for 2018, so far. Vector-borne diseases have also been more prevalent; June saw 2,332 new malaria cases (53 per cent increase) and 1,546 new measles cases (33 per cent increase).
Aside from flood-related issues, insecurity has also intensified, with an increasing number of attacks being undertaken by non-state armed actors, especially in the capital.
Furthermore, the increasing tensions/clashes between Somaliland and Puntland have displaced an estimated 13,000 people. The Humanitarian Response Plan remains largely under-funded, putting severe financial pressure on some of the clusters, such as health, protection and shelter. Food security partners reached 1.9 million people with improved access to food and safety nets.
