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Somalia-Somaliland

The humanitarian situation in Somalia-Somaliland 

A group of people standing next to a group of goats
(Photo credit: Angela Hill / IFRC)

In Somalia - Somaliland, the impact of climate change, decades of conflict, deeply rooted inequalities, poverty, a fragile health system, and widespread diseases have compounded to create a situation of critical humanitarian needs, and gaps in the volume of global assistance required to address them. 

Climate-related disasters such as cyclones, recurrent droughts, and floods have destroyed primary sources of food and income in farming and agriculture across the country, as well as reducing clean water sources and sanitation— both contributing to the famine and water crisis in Somalia-Somaliland. Water scarcity has led to a high prevalence of illnesses, particularly acute watery diarrhea and cholera. Severely malnourished children are at increased risk of additional medical complications such as pneumonia, acute watery diarrhea, skin infections and measles. This adds strain on an already stretched healthcare system, where much of the rural population has limited or no access to health services and a disproportionate number of children die from preventable illnesses.

After decades of conflict, many people have been displaced internally and across borders, restricting their access to health services and the ability to sustain traditional livelihoods. Combined with the impacts of climate change, people have not had the opportunity to recover from crises, which has increased people’s reliance on humanitarian aid.

In Somalia - Somaliland, boys, girls, women and men have different needs. Our support to the Somali – Somaliland Red Crescent (SRCS) seeks to ensure that those different needs are recognized and met.

Partnering to support local communities

A group of people sitting outside, one wearing a Canadian Red Cross vest
(Photo credit: Angela Hill / IFRC)

The Canadian Red Cross has worked alongside the SRCS since 2017, when the organizations partnered to operate a Cholera Treatment Centre in Somaliland. Support has since been maintained to strengthen SRCS’s capacity in emergency response and preparedness, particularly for epidemics and public health concerns tailored to local concerns. Through this approach, which is being implemented by SRCS in all six regions of Somaliland, communities learn how to better prepare, mitigate, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

Protecting women and girls is a top priority for SRCS. Trained volunteer health workers run community sessions to raise awareness on important issues like public health, preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and gender-based violence (including female genital mutilation), and managing menstrual health. These sessions involve women community leaders, teachers and senior students in school clubs to create lasting change.

The Canadian Red Cross and SRCS have a five-year strategic partnership to strengthen SRCS in key areas of their strategic plan. Their goal is to build strong communities that are empowered and prepared to support people impacted by crises and emergencies. This investment boosts local capacity in Somalia-Somaliland, helping to meet humanitarian needs and build resilience.

How you can help people in Somalia-Somaliland

A doctor measures a child’s arm
(Photo credit: Angela Hill / IFRC)

The best way to support Canadian Red Cross programming in countries like Somalia-Somaliland is to make a donation to the International Program Fund.

Donate to the International Disaster Relief Fund

Your gift helps us establish health care and water and sanitation programs and contributes to making families and communities more resilient against future disasters, climate crisis or conflict situations. Your donation allows us to help prevent, prepare for, and alleviate the suffering of those impacted by disasters and crises by responding to humanitarian needs, promoting community agencies to address humanitarian crises, strengthening local capacity, and investing in preparedness. Your support will contribute to building more resilient communities in areas around the world.  

Read more about how international Program Fund donations have helped Canadian Red Cross deliver programming around the world.