Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia’s largest pediatric referral public hospital, is leading efforts to fight severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children. Every day, doctors and nurses here face heartbreaking scenes — tiny patients suffering from hunger and SAM complications in children like pneumonia, diarrhoea, and severe dehydration.
“Most of the cases we see are extremely malnourished and often come with serious complications,” said Dr. Mohamed Jama Hashi, a pediatric specialist at Banadir Hospital. “Some arrive swollen, others need oxygen or come in shock — their little bodies are struggling to survive.”
Inside the stabilization centre, medical staff move quickly between beds, checking oxygen levels and administering essential drugs for malnutrition. Many mothers have walked miles under the scorching sun to reach this hospital — their last hope for saving their children’s lives.
WHO and ECHO’s Lifesaving Support
Access to essential medicines is critical for recovery. Amid drought and economic hardship, families in Somalia often cannot afford treatment for their children. The essential drugs for malnutrition supplied through WHO’s Pediatric Severe Acute Malnutrition (PED/SAM) kits — funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) — are saving lives every day.
“These medicines are vital for managing the most complicated cases,” explained Dr. Abdulmunim Mohamed, Nutrition and Health Technical Focal Point at WHO Somalia. “Their timely use prevents life-threatening outcomes and reduces child mortality.”
The effects of child malnutrition extend far beyond hunger — children face weakened immunity, growth delays, and higher risks of disease. WHO’s efforts, backed by ECHO, ensure that Somali children not only survive but recover and thrive.
Visible Recovery and Renewed Hope
At Banadir Hospital, recovery is visible daily. Severely malnourished children who once hovered near death gradually regain strength thanks to essential drugs for malnutrition and therapeutic feeding. Parents find hope again, knowing their children are finally receiving proper care.
“These supplies are the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Abdulmunim. “ECHO’s ongoing support is saving lives and strengthening Somalia’s health system for the future.”
The combined efforts of WHO and ECHO ensure that thousands of Somali children are not only treated for SAM complications in children but are also given access to integrated health services that support long-term well-being.
Building a Healthier Future for Somalia
In a country facing ongoing drought, poverty, and conflict, quick access to essential medicines and therapeutic food remains a lifeline. Thanks to this collaboration, Somali families who once had no options now have a chance to protect their children from the devastating effects of child malnutrition.
As WHO and ECHO continue delivering lifesaving aid, they bring renewed hope to Somalia’s most vulnerable — ensuring that every child, no matter their circumstances, gets the chance to live, grow, and thrive.
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This story was first reported by the World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. Read the full article here.
