Scaling-up WHO's Health Humanitarian Intervention in Somalia in 2011

[Admin]

Context
Twenty years of civil war has devastated Somalia, hampering its health services and increasing health risks. Since January 2010, almost 6000 people have been wounded (20% being children) and 100 more killed in Mogadishu alone, according to reports from three hospitals. WHO estimates that over 500 people have been killed since the beginning of 2010, although the exact number of deaths on site are not reported. Humanitarian needs increased dramatically following the onset of heavy fighting, particularly in Mogadishu and other parts of South Central Somalia. Across Somalia, 2 million people need humanitarian assistance, and 1.46 million people have been displaced by conflict and live in temporary settlements. This risk to health stems from greater number of weapon-related injuries and deaths, lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and to life-saving health services. These factors heighten the risk of outbreaks of communicable disease as well as preventable death and disability amongst the vulnerable population.
Full Report