(New York/Mogadishu, 10 October 2014) The humanitarian operation in Somalia requires urgent scale-up. We are in a race against time to save lives in areas stricken by drought and conflict.
I am extremely concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in southern, central and north-eastern Somalia. Bakool, Bay, Gedo, Hiraan and Galgaduud have been the most affected. Families in these communities desperately need water, food and healthcare.
Humanitarian organizations have scaled up activities in response to early warnings. However we need to do much more. Road access is particularly critical to reach communities.
Despite competing crises in the world today, not responding to the humanitarian situation in Somalia is not an option. Critical funding is needed today to expand operations. Funding pipelines for food security, nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene services must be increased without delay.
Aid workers have shown that despite challenges and persisting insecurity they can reach many more people in need through different modalities, if provided with adequate and timely resources. We are enhancing risk management systems across the humanitarian community in order to respond in a more effective manner.
For further information please contact:
Michelle Delaney, OCHA Somalia, +254 731 043 156 or delaneym@un.org
