In Somalia, acute malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge, particularly affecting children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and other vulnerable populations. In fragile and emergency settings, timely identification and early intervention are often the difference between life and death for malnourished children.
To strengthen the country’s response, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Health, has rolled out the 2025 updated national guideline for the prevention and management of wasting and nutritional oedema. The revised guideline reflects the latest global evidence and emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive care for at-risk groups, including infants under six months and their caregivers.
Over 40 Somali health professionals participated in a two-week master training-of-trainers course supported by WHO and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The training aimed to equip national trainers with the knowledge and skills needed to provide consistent, high-quality nutrition care across the country. By training trainers, WHO and the Ministry of Health are building a sustainable system to cascade expertise to frontline health workers and strengthen Somalia’s health workforce.
The updated guideline introduces practical innovations, such as expanded protocols for moderate wasting, nutrition in emergencies, and care for nutritionally at-risk infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and patients with HIV or TB. It goes beyond treatment to include prevention strategies, helping health workers identify risks earlier and intervene before malnutrition becomes severe.
Health workers who participated in the training emphasized its practical value. The sessions clarified standard protocols, addressed long-standing inconsistencies across health facilities, and provided actionable guidance on case management. Participants plan to cascade the training in their respective organizations, ensuring quality and consistency of care nationwide.
Community engagement remains central to preventing malnutrition. Trainers urged families to prioritize early care, breastfeeding, and close collaboration with health workers. By combining strengthened health services with community awareness, Somalia aims to reduce preventable child malnutrition and improve health outcomes across the country.
The initiative not only provides Somali health professionals with updated technical knowledge but also builds confidence and practical skills, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensure that no child is left behind due to malnutrition.
