Save the Children in Somalia
Save the Children has worked in Somalia for over 70 years, since 1951 as a national and international leader in humanitarian and development programming. Our programs encompass health and nutrition, education, child protection, and child rights governance. With a long operational history and broad geographical reach, we have established strong, positive relationships with key stakeholders in Somalia. We work alongside communities, local partners, and the government to design and implement programs that meet the needs of children and their countries. Additionally, we advocate for increased public and private investments to support children’s well-being and rights.
The situation for children in Somalia
More than half of population are children. Despite progress in some areas, children in Somalia face numerous challenges. High rates of malnutrition, limited access to education, and vulnerabilities due to ongoing conflicts and climate crises, such as drought and flooding, remain prevalent.
Approximately 25% of Somali children under five are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, with the highest prevalence in rural and underserved regions. Neonatal mortality remains a significant concern, with many infants dying within their first month of life due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to skilled medical care.
Education access is another critical challenge. Rural and remote areas see low enrollment rates, and many children lack access to early education, a key factor in their cognitive and social development.
Our impact for children in 2024
News & Stories
5 Jun 2025
Reviving Mogadishu: The Renaissance of Plastic Recycling
In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, a ground-breaking initiative is rewriting the narrative of plastic waste, morphing it from an environmental nuisance into a beacon of hope for countless women. This venture, born from the collaboration between the Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) Project and King Plastic, is more than just urban waste management. It's a saga of empowerment, environmental stewardship, and economic revival in one of the globe's most challenging environments.
27 May 2025
Five Years of Care: How Sustained Health Services Helped Safia Raise a Healthy Family
For the past five years, we have been a regular visitor to this health centre which has become our lifeline. My children and I have received essential medical care, vaccinations, and nutritional support.
22 May 2025
When a Child Learns a Family Thrives in Somalia
Learning to read and write and helping my mother keep track of the debts in her shop makes me happy. She can’t read or write, but I can record the borrowed items for her. It made me feel bad to see my mother needing help. I wish she could go to school like me and my siblings, so she wouldn’t need others to write down her business.