Mogadishu: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a major reduction in emergency food assistance for Somalia due to severe funding shortages. Starting in November 2025, the number of people receiving aid will drop from 1.1 million in August to just 350,000, leaving millions of vulnerable individuals without support.

Somalia is currently facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with 4.6 million people experiencing crisis-level hunger. Of these, 1.8 million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, and 421,000 children are in severe condition. So far, the WFP has been able to assist only about 180,000 children. The crisis has been worsened by ongoing drought, armed conflict, and declining international aid.

The WFP has emphasized the urgent need for $98 million to sustain life-saving food assistance for 800,000 people through the lean season ending in March 2026. Without immediate funding, millions of Somalis face an increased risk of starvation and malnutrition.

The reduction in aid also reflects broader cuts in international support. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which previously provided 65% of Somalia’s foreign aid, has scaled back operations, resulting in the closure of critical health centers and leaving more than 500 children at risk of malnutrition.

Humanitarian experts warn that unless immediate action is taken, the already fragile situation could deteriorate rapidly, threatening the lives of millions across the country. The international community is being urged to step in and provide necessary resources to prevent a catastrophic famine.