The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains worrying. Underlying factors are resurgent conflict, protracted internal displacement, environmental hazards and very low levels of access to sustainable basic services. According to the 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Somalia, 4.9 million Somali's require assistance: 1 million face food insecurity and 3.9 remain highly vulnerable to shocks. Malnutrition remains high with about 308'000 children under 5 years acutely malnourished and 56'000 children severely malnourished. The overall burden of malnutrition is estimated at 800'000 cases. As a result of two consecutive failed rainy seasons, parts of Puntland and Somaliland are experiencing severe drought which has already affected hundreds of thousands of people. These conditions are. Bari and Nugaal in Puntland and Awdal, Sanaag, Sool and Woqooyi Galbeed in Somaliland are the most affected areas. A "Call for Aid" has been launched by OCHA beginning of April to mobilize the international community.

Vulnerable women, men and children have access to needs based, timely and coordinated life-saving assistance and protection.

The SHF will target in priority:

1. Drought affected populations in Puntland and Somaliland
2. Severely malnourished children (Bosasso, Gaalkacyo, Doolow)
3. Acute watery diarrhoea and cholera cases (Kismayo)

The SHF is aligned to the HRP's strategic objectives:

• Address humanitarian needs by providing life-saving and life-sustaining assistance to people in need, prioritizing the most vulnerable.
• Strengthen the protection of displaced and other vulnerable groups and catalyze durable solutions.

Expected results:  

The main deliverables in line with the HRP Somalia are:

• Provision of lifesaving response to drought affected people in the worst affected parts of Puntland and Somaliland;
• Provision of life-saving and life- sustaining integrated response to women, men and children living in lDP settlements and host communities with malnutrition rates exceeding 15% (Bosasso, North and South Gaalkacyo and Doolow);
• Reduced morbidity and mortality through response to acute watery diarrhea/cholera in Kismayo.

Results from previous phases:  

Formerly called Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF), the SHF has, since its inception in 2010, managed and disbursed a total of USD 320 million through its standard allocation and emergency reserve windows. In 2015, USD 33 million was received against the expected USD 40 million. USD 30.9 million was allocated to 34 partners implementing 64 projects with ·the food security sector receiving the largest share. Unconditional cash transfers to improve access to food through safety nets was provided to 53'531 persons, while 218'676 persons benefited from conditional transfers to improve access to food and protection of livelihood assets. The SHF also contributed to ensuring school enrolment of 37'031 children, while 9'754 children were provided with learning supplies and 368 teachers were trained. In terms of health, 115'615 children below five years and women of child bearing age were immunized against vaccine preventable diseases.The SHF also contributed to the provision of a livelihood and investment package for 14'916 lDP's and refugees returning to their place of origin.

This contribution complements SDC's humanitarian multilateral (UNHCR, ICRC, OCHA, WFP) and bilateral (DRC, SomRep, Islamic Relief, Swisso Kalmo) response in the field of food security, protection and health in emergency situations, as well as its longer-term development engagement in the health and food security sector working on improved services delivery and enhances resilience capacity of the Somali population.

Phase 11 15.04.2016 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)