nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
While quantitative assessments of damage to pasture and crops are limited, key informants report damage is localized and limited so far, which is attributed to recent rainfall that regenerated vegetation and to a significant scale up in control operations
To mitigate the spike of covid 19, the Federal Government of Somalia banned all public gatherings, closed schools and universities and instructed Government employees to work from home on 17 February 2021 until further notice.
UNIDO's recalibrated agro technology assistance supports start up and growing MSMEs agro industrial businesses in Kismayo, Baidoa, Mogadishu and Beledweyne to access new technologies, markets and financing facilities, and to manage the disruption from the COVID 19 lockdown and the economic downturn. An enterprise survey to review the impact of COVID19 on MSMEs operation launched in June in collaboration with the World Bank and the International Finance Cooperation. UNIDO is also promoting the procurement of locally produced protective equipment.
In consultation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, UNHCR and WHO have supported previously trained women to produce Personnel Protective Equipment  ( in particular non clinical and reusable face masks ) , with the goal of creating livelihood, public health and protection dividends simultaneously. Hano Academy, a vocational and polytechnic institution based in Mogadishu supported by UNHCR, has also begun the production of face masks and soap.
When considering children involved in harsh and dangerous work in the area, the majority of the key respondents reported 59% said yes, that there are children engaging harsh and dangerous work.
UNIDO in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry  ( MoCI )  has been analyzing the impact of COVID 19 on the economy and articulated a focused government response. As a result a policy paper was drafted and adopted by MoCI examining possible interventions that will promote self sufficiency. Discussion on potential advisory activities are ongoing and will be scaled up as part of the PSDP interventions.
UNIDO supported the rehabilitation of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry  ( MoCI ) , providing “on the job construction training': the equivalent of an apprenticeship programme, whereby the construction project was commissioned by UNIDO and the workers involved in the actual construction were young unemployed or underemployed Somali that have received construction trades trainings from other UN partners in Somalia.
The regions with the highest proportion of school aged children in need of humanitarian assistance are in places like Bari, Qardo, Qandala, Calula, Middle Juba and Lower Shabelle region; while in Galguduud region, 61 per cent of Xarardheere and Dhuusamareeb of school aged children need humanitarian assistance.
Local Governance: Local governments are at the frontline of the epidemic, but their capacity to respond rapidly depends heavily on context and resources. While strengthening local capacity is a longer term objective, existing mechanisms to deliver support should be utilized and expanded to include emergency and recovery activities, including by way of collaboration between humanitarian and government agencies.
Somalia is also the host of 35,000 refugees and asylum seekers primarily from Ethiopia and Yemen. Since December 2014, some 80,000 Somali refugees have also returned from Kenya.
A total of 7,189 healthcare workers  ( HCW )  were trained in surveillance, case management and risk communication across Somalia.
Additional support and funding is required to support procurement and transportation of COVID 19 response supplies, trainings and reinforcement of capacity, incentive payment to health screeners and coordination
An ongoing locust invasion has affected close to 300,000 hectares of land, mainly in the northern regions, impacting food security and livelihoods for nearly 200,000 people, according to FAO.
There is need for active surveillance, including health screening, Infection, Prevention and Control  ( IPC )  measures, referral and data collection at all Points of Entry  ( POEs )  is immensely required in all states
As of 29 October, the 2020 $1.01 billion Somalia Humanitarian Response Plan  ( HRP )  had received $623 million. With an additional $196 million received for activities outside the Plan, the Somalia operation has received $819 million in total.
General Protection: There are 2.2 million people in need of education .Similarly, 0.5M non IDPs, 1.7IDPs, 28,000 refugees/asylum seekers, 110, 000 refugee returnees are in need.
An estimated 2.6 million people are displaced in Somalia. Coping mechanisms have been reduced over successive years of drought and conflict, leaving IDPs vulnerable to shocks and inhibiting a sustainable return to places of origin. Of the total displaced population, 2.4 million people are living in IDP sites which lack dignified living conditions, enough access to basic services, land tenure and adequate resources to sustain their populations.
UNHCR also expanded investment in online and offline distance education as an alternative solution and ensuring refugee children have access to alternative education arrangements introduced locally. So far, 75 university students are benefiting from on online study arrangement.
[ MUTLI SECTORAL NEEDS ]  100% of both IDP settlement and non IDP settlement households found with multi sectoral needs.
With medical oxygen playing a crucial role in improving health outcomes of patients with severe COVID 19, WHO Somalia together with UNICEF, procured and distributed 200 oxygen concentrators across the country.
In Somalia, there are over 2,400 IDP sites across the country varying in size and physical layout. Somalia's IDP sites are characterized by a lack of adequate living conditions, limited access to secure land tenure and infrequent availability of basic services.
On 15 March, Somalia bans passengers who had been to China, Iran, Italy or South Korea in the past 14 days from entering the country.
Apart from travel restrictions  [ at airports ] , other measures were also put in place to both restrict movement and try to ensure that movement happens in a safe manner.
Fuel prices, both diesel and petrol increased by 20% per litre compared to last week in major markets throughout Puntland.
Historical trendsfor Cholera from 2018 and 2019 in comparison, have also shown the similar trends; there is a high likelihood that this will be the case in 2021
Where possible humanitarian partners should respond to the needs of the various affected groups and/or individuals taking potential differences in coping capacity and resilience into account, as well as monitor the situation of affected communities and individuals.
Increasing cases of COVID 19 being reported across the country especially in Puntland and in Somaliland.
IOM field team conducted a Shelter and NFI assessment to identify needs and gaps in Baidoa IDP Sites. These regular assessments help SNFI in monitoring the shelter conditions and needs of the displaced communities.
IOM, WHO, GIZ and an INGO partner are supporting MOH on screening activities at the point of entry in Kismayo, Dhobley, Doolow and Belet Xaawo.
Weak governance structures also compound the effects of conflicts, droughts and floods. The dearth of harmonised and coordinated planning results in fragmented responses to the successive cycles of natural shocks
WHO conducted a two day training of trainers on COVID 19 in Mogadishu in order to boost preparedness. The training was attended by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, Airport staff and other health workers.
For one third of the population, it takes between 15 and 30 minutes to reach the nearest market, while for another third of the population it takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
At first, the onset of COVID 19 had little effect on livestock exports because of an increase in demand from Egypt, Pakistan, and Oman leading up to Ramadhan and because Saudi Arabia lifted their ban on Somali livestock exports in April.
[ PRE EXISTING VULNERABILITIES ]  5% households with at least one member having lost employment in the three months prior to data collection
Save the Children is calling on donors to act quickly and provide immediate emergency funding to sustain and significantly scale up the humanitarian response in Somalia to save children's lives.
Houses and crops were damaged. Some 6,000 people who were displaced by the floods have moved to IDP sites in Buufow Bacaad, Gandawe, Shalanbood and KM50 town of Marka district.
Partners have reported a lack/limited availability of land adjacent to the existing IDP sites for expansion of the sites.
According to the Detailed Site Assessment, 16 per cent of 2,344 IDP sites assessed have no access to any learning facilities. In addition, available learning facilities in the IDP sites are overcrowded, while the average walking time to reach the nearest learning facility is 18 minutes, which exposes IDP children – in particular adolescent girls   to protection risks.
Girls consistently face greater challenges to accessing education. While the gender parity for enrollment at primary school level is 0.91  ( 1 is equal enrolment )  it drops to 0.83 at the secondary level.
A key activity of the diaspora experts is capacity building within the institutions they are working in, as they train local professionals and interns. In August, two workshops were organized by a Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor at the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development. The expert trained ministry staff, representatives from six line ministries and 20 ministries from Federal Member States on different monitoring and evaluation approaches and tools.
The water, sanitation and hygiene  ( WASH )  cluster started prevention and control interventions through the distribution of hygiene kits to displaced populations.
Mohamud Mohamed Hassan, Country Director for Save the Children in Somalia, said: Without enough food and the right nutrition, children are becoming malnourished, which can lead to illness, infections, stunting and death. And children who are displaced may face violence, become separated from their families or be forced to work.
IOM provides technical expertise in areas of migration policy, administrative and operational practices, procedures for countering human trafficking and smuggling, and direct assistance to migrants.
Treatment and isolation facilities have been expanded, COVID 19 restrictions and measures instituted such as closing educational insitutions, community health and rapid response teams trained and deployed, health equipment delivered to various locations, and three laboratories capable of detecting COVID 19 are now functional at Mogadishu, Garowe and Hargyeisa.
After the onset of COVID 19, money vendors report that the volume of cash transactions declined approximately 30 40 percent from March to May. Usually, remittances reach an estimated 40 percent exhibited steep price increases of 20 30 percent compared to 2019, though prices are comparable to the five year average. The sorghum supply is more stable, driven by better availability and release of old stocks from the preceding deyr harvest in agropastoral areas. The retail price of sorghum generally ranges from near the 2019 average to below the five year average. In central and northern Somalia, maize and sorghum prices are seasonally stable, with market supply sourced from the 2019 karan harvest and imports from Ethiopia. In northwestern agropastoral markets, sorghum prices have declined 10 15 percent below 2019 and 7 10 percent below the five year average. of the population directly. Better off households typically receive remittances, but redistribute them as social support, providing a lifeline for many poor urban, IDP, and pastoral households who face difficulty meeting their minimum food needs
As of 30 July 2020, UNHCR received a total of 130,507 Somali returnees from 13 countries of asylum. Out of total 91,828 who have repatriated with UNHCR support, 84,981 were from Kenya, 5,416 from Yemen, 773 from Djibouti, 469 from Libya, 143 from Sudan, 34 from Eritrea, three from Tunisia, three from Angola, two from the Gambia, one from Pakistan, one from Ukraine, one from Cambodia and one from China. While 38,679 Somalis returned on their own primarily from Yemen.
From January to August 2019, the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting verified and documented 40 attacks on schools. Somalia has signed the Safe Schools Declaration , however, there is still a need to ensure proper implementation of preventive and mitigating measures to keep schools safe across the country.
Food security deteriorated in 2019, reversing positive trends of the previous year. An estimated 6.3 million Somalis are acutely food insecure through December – a 36 per cent increase compared to late 2018
Humanitarian partners continued to deliver critical support to vulnerable populations throughout the country. During the reporting period, a monthly average of 1.6 million beneficiaries were provided with food assistance and safety net support, with up to 2.3 million persons out of the 3 million targeted assisted in May 2020
The 2019 Gu' season nutrition assessment revealed an overall median GAM prevalence rate of 13.8 per cent across Somalia, slightly lower than during similar periods in 2018  ( 14 per cent )  and much lower than 2017  ( 17.4 per cent )  .
Displaced women and children face greater protection challenges, including family separation, exposure to gender based violence, disruptions to education and the forced recruitment of children.
The JMCNA found that the most common barrier to accessing nutrition services was a lack of available knowledge on both available services and supplements  ( reported by 21 per cent and 18 per cent of households respectively ) , followed by facilities being too far away  ( 15 per cent )  and difficulties enrolling in services  ( 12 per cent )  . Further, households are generally not aware of feedback or complaints mechanisms regarding humanitarian assistance in general, as reported by 80 per cent of households assessed.
Decongestion reduces the risk of community transmission of COVID 19 in IDP settlements. Most of the cases recorded in Somalia have reportedly been transmitted locally.
An estimated 2.1 million people across Somalia are expected to face food security Crisis or worse  ( IPC Phase 3 or higher )  outcomes between October and December if the ongoing humanitarian assistance is not sustained. An additional 3 million people are expected to be Stressed  ( IPC Phase 2 ) , bringing the total number of people facing acute food insecurity to 5.1 million. To improve immediate access to food for the population in IPC 3 and 4, there is a need to scale up from the current coverage of 1.9 million people to reach 3 million people starting August 2020
The spread of the COVID 19 pandemic continues to disrupt essential services such as vaccinations, and maternal and child health services. Therefore, there is a need to continue maintaining safe and accessible essential services and scale up supplementary vaccinations. The pandemic has also increased the need for mental health and psychosocial services to affected populations and caregivers
In South West State, authorities and partners reported the destruction by floods of a culvert bridge at Warmaxan along the road between Afgooye and Wanla Weyn in Lower Shabelle region. Over 50 vehicles carrying commercial commodities have been stranded in the area due to floods
Most students have completed their 2019/20 study year and will resume education in August 2020 by entering the new study year. In the meantime, UNHCR started exploring ways to support distance learning such as TV educational materials, broadcasting educational materials and using on line classrooms.
In September, the FSC partners also assisted 163,886 beneficiaries with seasonal inputs and livestock asset protection, bringing the total beneficiaries reached to 189,916  ( 18 per cent of 1,060,406 seasonal target )  starting from the beginning of August 2020.
About 500,000 people are in need of health services due to the ongoing flooding, which has increased the risk of disease outbreaks and transmission including COVID 19 in the IDP sites.
IOM continued the recruitment of diaspora experts who will use their expertise at various institutions in the country. Amongst the nine recruited diaspora experts are a mental health advisor for the Garowe General Hospital, a Prison Health Expert at the Ministry of Justice in Hargeisa, a Business and Commercial Legal Expert for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government.
[ Recommendations: Support to survivors of sexual and gender based violence ]  Increased provision of specialized, age and sex appropriate, services, Capacity building support.
The construction of a border post started in Kheydar, a town in Galmudug along the border with Ethiopia. Prior to the start of the construction activities, IOM assessed the Kheydar border post to identify critical equipment, training, and infrastructure gaps. An estimated 700 migrants cross the border each month, and trade and health are one of the main reasons for movement, while vegetables from Ethiopia are among the main commodities of trade.
Restrictions on the movement of national staff on the basis of presumed clan or other affiliations, and the targeting of particular groups, including through intimidation and harassment, continue to affect the implementation of programmes in conflict affected areas.
A cumulative total of $116 million was requested to boost the response and provide critical life saving assistance to 1.6 million flood affected persons in Somalia. Floodrelated requirements for 2020 have been incorporated into the revised Humanitarian Response Plan.
Risk transfer to national staff, as well as to national NGOs and civil society, who are most frequently frontline implementers, must also be considered.
Financial constraints affect the continuity of nutrition services and ability to expand coverage to meet the needs. In addition, insecurity hinders access to people in need of assistance. There is insecurity is Some regions/distritcs  ( whole of Middle Juba ) , Some districts in Lower Juba  ( Jamame and Badhahde ) , Lower Shabelle  ( Sablale, Kuntunwarey ) , Middle Juba  ( Adan Yabaal, and some villages in the accessible districts ) , Galgaduud  ( Xarardheer )  as well as some villages in all the accessible districts in South Central. MAM service gap in Puntland and Somaliland due to technical issues with WFP.
In south central agropastoral areas, agricultural labor demand and the agricultural labor wage are expected to remain below normal through July due to below average cash crop and gu cereal harvests.
The recent increase in attacks against aid workers comes at a time that Somalia is grappling with increased humanitarian needs due to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic  ( 4,300 cases with 107 deaths since March ) , desert locust invasions, protracted conflict, political and economic instability, and recurrent climatic shocks.
Responses to COVID 19 continue to be scaled up; community rapid response teams reached 2,0433,57 individuals in 9,840 settlements with COVID 19 preventative messages in November, including 43,225 in IDP settlements.
An estimated 5.2 million people need humanitarian assistance. The humanitarian community has targeted three million people in accessible areas, leaving millions of others without assistance due to insecurity and other constraints
The PRMN findings from January September 2020 recorded 7,596 protection incidents across the country. Most incidents include targeted and indiscriminate physical attacks on civilians and on property, widespread SGBV, child recruitment, arbitrary arrest, forced displacement, land grabbing, and extortion of assets and supplies from vulnerable groups.
The consequences of COVID 19 exacerbated the negative impacts on school age children who missed learning opportunities. School closures   even when temporary – carry a high social and economic cost.
The severity of health and nutrition needs of the displaced population are thus directly linked to negative coping strategies such as the use of unhygienic or unimproved latrines, reported by 55 per cent of IDPs, or the practice of open defecation, reported by 20 per cent of IDPs.
[ HEALTH LIVING STANDARDS GAP  ( LSG )  ]  41% of Households of IDP settlements have not been able to access healthcare facilities in the six months prior to data collection while 45% of Households of IDP settlements have been able to access healthcare facilities in the six months prior to data collection.
About 25 per cent  [ of Blue Border Points ]  also had Standard Operating Procedures  ( SOPs )  in place to managing flows, occupational health and safety of staff  ( Infection Prevention Control, IPC ) , and detection  ( health screening ) , registration, notification, management and referral of ill travellers.
UNHCR's persons of concern have appealed for enhanced cashbased support given the rise in commodity prices, including food and due to loss of wages as casual workers.
Based on historical trends, anticipated declines in food and milk consumption, and higher water borne disease incidence after recent gu floods, the prevalence of global acute malnutrition  ( GAM )  is expected to be higher than the same period of last year in urban areas and IDP settlements, riverine areas, pastoral areas of north central Somalia, and in Bay Bakool Agropastoral livelihood zone. Among the urban and IDP population, it is possible that an increase in GAM could be driven by either the direct health impacts of COVID 19 or by household decisions to avoid seeking nutrition or health services out of fear of contracting COVID 19.
Social distancing measures, the decline in external remittances, and other negative impacts associated with the COVID 19 pandemic are expected to continue to suppress business activity. As a result, IDP and urban households are projected to face a 20 30 percent decline in their income through at least September. Rising staple food prices and below normal daily income is most likely to drive an increase in the number of households experiencing acute food insecurity
Low livestock holdings continue to be the main limiting factor for food access, even though prevailing livestock prices continue to offer broadly favorable terms of trade for cereals compared to the five year average. Low livestock supply across the livelihood zone, coupled with good livestock health and body conditions, has thus far prevented steep declines in the livestock price despite the economic impacts of COVID 19 and the cancellation of the Hajj – both in rural key reference markets, such as Dhusamareb, and in Galkacyo, the main livestock trading hub in central Somalia.
An estimated 23% of the population reside in rural areas, while approximately 26% of the population is comprised of nomadic groups. Moreover, 85% of the population is reliant on agro pastoral activities as a source of livelihood.
Somalia's volatile security context combined with poor infrastructure continues to create a challenging operational environment for humanitarian partners and hampers their ability to conduct assessments and deliver aid
According to the 2020 Post Gu Seasonal Food Security and Nutrition Analysis for September  ( FAO/FSNAU ) , an estimated 1.3 million people are facing Crisis or worse  ( IPC Phase 3 or higher )  outcomes through September 2020, even in the presence of humanitarian assistance. This number is expected to increase to 2.1 million people through December 2020, in the absence of humanitarian assistance.
The prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition based on MUAC  [ Mid Upper Arm Cutoff ]   ( <125mm and/or oedema was 3.1%  ( 1.8  5.4, 95% C.I. )  and of severe acute malnutrition  ( MUAC<115mm and/or oedema )  was 1.0%  ( 0.5  2.3, 95% C.I. )
The Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services  ( FMOH )  of Somalia, WHO and UNICEF supported the final round of monovalent house to house oral polio vaccine type 2 in the central and south regions of the country from 25 to 28 October.
Overall, humanitarian partners estimate that in 2021, 5.9 million people will need humanitarian assistance, an increase from 5.2 million in 2020. This includes 4.3 million non displaced people and 1.6 million people displaced by conflict, insecurity, drought and floods
While the prevalence of the disease is lower than in neighbouring countries, Somalia has extremely limited testing facilities, and where testing is available, stigma often prevents people from obtaining access to it
More than 9 million people are affected by prevalent poor WASH conditions in Somalia. The methodology used for the PiN calculation estimated that 2.7 million people are in severe  ( 2.5M )  and extreme  ( 0.2M )  need of humanitarian WASH assistance.
In Somalia, evictions continue to represent a constant risk for vulnerable communities, including displaced populations living in collective settlements and other urban poor in densely populated areas
Somalia hosts 41,820 refugees and asylum seekers  ( RAS ) , as well as a total of 108,000 refugee returnees  ( mainly from Kenya and Yemen ) .
ACTED' CCCM team conducted a Safety Audit assessment at 50 IDP Camps in Baidoa that ACTED is implementing an integrated WASH, shelter, CCCM and Information Management Support in 50 IDP Sites in the four sites/section in Baidoa from 7 June to 10 June, 2020.
[ WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE  ( WASH )  LIVING STANDARDS GAP  ( LSG )  ]  Most commonly reported coping mechanisms used to deal with limited availability of water by household of Non  IDP settlement were Rely on less preferred  ( unimproved/untreated )  water sources for drinking water  ( 38% ) , Rely on surface water for drinking water  ( 23% ) .
[ WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE  ( WASH )  LIVING STANDARDS GAP  ( LSG )  ]  Most commonly reported problems related to accessing sanitation facilities by households of IDP settlement were Lack of sanitation facilities  ( latrines/toilets )  / facilities too crowded  ( 39% ) ,Sanitation facilities  ( latrines/toilets )  are not functioning or full  ( 48% ) .
Many disadvantaged communities and IDP settlements are located in areas prone to flooding and sometimes flash floods
Energy access in Kismayo, both electricity and other sources of energy like biomass and fuels, is severely limited for the majority of the population, contributing to inadequate social indicators and hindering economic growth
COVID 19 created new challenges, prompting agencies to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of the virus on refugees, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable populations. Together with the Federal Government, the United Nations and partners launched a COVID 19 preparedness and response plan on 23 April to respond to the humanitarian and socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic.
Housing, Land and Property ( HLP ) : HRP identified 2.6million people in need of HLP protection and targeted 0.7 million people to provide HLP protection response. There are 7 partners and 7 project working for HLP protection.
Although the framework was developed for drought, on 19 June, the Emergency Relief Coordinator agreed to an exceptional pilot activation in the light of the unprecedented situation, with a $15 million allocation from the Central Emergency Relief Fund.
Many IDPs end up as squatters on public or private land and are at heightened risk of forced evictions.
Al Shabaab carried out eight mortar attacks against the United Nations compound within the Aden Adde International Airport complex in Mogadishu  ( two in late 2019 and six in 2020 ) .
An estimated 1.3 million persons are living within territory controlled by Al Shabaab and remain largely out of reach. The most vulnerable populations are the least likely to reach the relative safety of neighbouring districts or regions where humanitarian actors are responding
Notwithstanding milestone commitments made by the Federal Government of Somalia and some regional states, including Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Puntland and South West State, humanitarian organizations and the general civilian population continue to experience severe logistical challenges in an estimated 42 districts in southern and central Somalia and in Bari, Puntland.
COVID 19 pandemic poses an additional challenge in this already fragile context where it may further hinder access to basic services, leaving the population highly vulnerable
In late May, a World Food Programme charter aircraft carrying humanitarian supplies to Qansaxdheere was hit by ground fire from unknown perpetrators, with no reported casualties or significant damage. As a result, flights to Qansaxdheere have been suspended temporarily, and there has been no replenishment of food since the attack for nutrition beneficiaries in Qansaxdheere.
The Somali economy is heavily reliant on imports. The lock down of key supply markets , the closure of borders and restrictions on domestic movements are beginning to have an impact. As retailers begin to stockpile, rising prices on key imported commodities are impacting low income earners, particularly IDPs and rural communities. Moreover, reports indicate that remittances, received by an estimated 40 per cent of Somali households, have dropped by as much as 50 per cent
Cross border movements by several swarms have been reported between Ethiopia and northwest Somalia. Control operations are being scaled up with increased aerial capacity, vehicles and additional biopesticide stock delivered. The Somalia locust response requires US$56.9 million of which $49.6 million has been received.
Between March 16, when the first Covid 19 case was confirmed, and November 20, there were 3,890 reported cases and 99 deaths; at least 133 health workers were infected.
In May, over 8,000 refugees and asylum seekers  ( 27 per cent of the caseload )  have received either their monthly allowance or onetime emergency cash assistance.  ( From UNHCR )
While it is the out of school children who are most exposed to protection risks, there is also a need to ensure that schools offer a protective and safe learning environment to their learners.
The creation of safety nets for the most vulnerable is a priority of the Somalia's national social protection policy: WFP, through the government led safety net for human capital development, provided quarterly CBTs through mobile money transfers to more than 200,000 people in October and November.
Limited institutional development is both a cause and an effect of armed conflict. The limited capacity of the government and local authorities to provide basic services, especially in rural areas, implies that a large proportion of the population is reliant on external assistance to sustain living standards and sources of livelihoods.
When families cannot afford to pay tuition or other expenses associated with education, children simply do not go to school. These repercussions can lead to child labor, child marriage and other negative outcomes.
The Risk Management Unit has continued to support other operations in establishing risk related practices, learning from the experience in Somalia. Examples include support provided to develop the risk management framework for a stabilization project and strategy in countries surrounding Lake Chad  ( Cameroon, Chad, the Niger and Nigeria )  and exchanges of best practices on fraud and corruption with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Typically, the average household of six to seven must purchase 90 kg of cereals plus 25 kg of sugar, 3 kg of vegetable oil, and other essential non food needs each month, requiring the sale of 1.5 goats/month in a normal year. With only five six sheep/goats born each season over the past year, households face an annual shortfall of six eight sheep/goat sales in 2020.
Furthermore, if Al Shabaab were to impede civilians from leaving areas under its control, their needs would go unmet, and those soliciting aid, such as elders and leaders, might be subject to human rights abuses or violations of international humanitarian law, such as extrajudicial executions and child recruitment.
HRP prioritize 1.6 million internally displaced people in need and targeted 1.6 million to provide response in 2021. Similarly, HRP identified 1.4M children under 5 years old in need and target 1M.
Meanwhile, among those reporting issues with their sanitation facilities, prevalent coping strategies include relying on less preferred sanitation facilities, communal latrines or defecating in the open. This impacts peoples' health and nutrition status.
Risk Communication and Community Engagement  ( RCCE )  activities have picked up in the majority of states. In Somaliland, WFP, UNICEF and UNHCR have distributed posters at food distribution points, translated SOPs on social distancing/radio messages, and distributed pamphlets to refugees, asylum seekers and host communities.
Community surveillance teams have reached 33,000 people with COVID 19 messages and contact tracing.
In terms of regional cross border trade, mandatory COVID 19 testing has led to significant delays in trade flows, according to anecdotal information from key informants. Cross border livestock market closures in Kenya have also contributed to changing livestock export dynamics. The Garissa livestock market is still closed, though Dhagahley Dhadhab/Garissa county and DifWajir county livestock markets are operational.
The CCCM Cluster has conducted RCCE sessions in 852 IDP sites out a total 2,134 IDP sites in Somalia, covering 999,206 individuals  ( 38 per cent out of total IDP population of 2.6 million ) .
Despite the efforts and progress made the national coordination committee to institute preparedness, there are still significant gaps in the health sector in Somalia, particularly in terms of surveillance, laboratory testing and personal protective equipment supply, to enable quick identification, diagnosis and tracing of all suspected cases.
The Federal Government and member states, United Nations and partners are working tirelessly to mitigate the spread and impact of the pandemic: targeting six million people every week through risk communication and community engagement, assisting the authorities to detect, prevent and interrupt COVID 19 transmission and supporting access to life saving health care services across the country.
Extreme climatic conditions, including repeated cycles of floods and drought increase vulnerabilities, result in loss of livelihoods and livestock, failed crops and weakened purchasing power.
Urgent nutrition and health support is required to address the needs, including for areas with high prevalence of acute maternal malnutrition. Desert locust hazards threaten to increase the acutely food insecure population in late 2020
Apart from the elevated risk for the elderly and people with underlying conditions, there are also concerns that the virus could take toll on persons with disabilities.
It should be noted that some internally displaced persons were forced to abandon farming activities because of the “taxation' imposed by Al Shabaab, those who cannot afford to pay being either forced or coerced into surrendering their children for recruitment.
Shelter and NFI stocks have been exhausted across Somalia and this has hampered the response to people in need. The Shelter Cluster has been severely underfunded, affecting humanitarian shelter response in a timely and effective manner. The areas where considerable gap exists include Banadir, Baidoa, Laas Caanood, Bosasso and Galkayo. Due to limited available funding, the cluster has prioritized the life saving shelter and NFI interventions that include provision of NFI and shelter kits with decongestion where feasible.
In September, the Shelter Cluster partners assisted 14,330 people with non food items  ( NFI )  kits, bringing the total number of people assisted with NFIs in 2020 to 334,999. About 28,695 persons were assisted with Shelter Kits, bringing the total number of people assisted with emergency shelter in 2020 to 241,115. Post Distribution Monitoring  ( PDMs )  were conducted for 10 distribution exercises, bringing the total number of PDM conducted in 2020 to 127  ( 42 per cent )  out of the 306 completed projects. About 14 Community Response and feedback mechanisms  ( CRFM )  were established, bringing the total number of CRFM established in 2020 to 139  ( 45% )  out of the 306 completed projects.
UNFPA Somalia population estimates of 2014 indicate that Lower Juba has a total population of 489,307; comprising an urban population of 172,861, a rural population of 161,512, 124,334 nomads and 30,600 IDPs .
The level of assistance has been significantly affected due to the pandemic. Delays in project approvals and changing priorities and availability of resources have contributed to an initial reduction in the response
In September, Nutrition Cluster partners reached a total of 189,353 new cases of Severe acute malnutrition  ( SAM ) , 339,557 children under five and 103,998 pregnant and breastfeeding women who have been admitted and treated for moderate acute malnutrition  ( MAM ) . In addition, more than 827,077 pregnant and lactating women  ( PLW )  received Infant and Young Child Feeding  ( IYCF )  counselling, 361,560 under 2 year old children and pregnant and lactating Women  (  ( PLW )  received maternal and child health and nutrition  ( MCHN )  services, while 417,630 under 2 year old children and PLW received Blanket Supplementary Feeding Program  ( BSFP )  services.
In Puntland State, a weekly meeting of the COVID 19 UN task force on 14 May discussed the level of preparedness capacity to respond to the increasing number of cases. WHO reports that 20 rapid response teams have been trained and deployed in Garowe, Gardo, Galkayo and Garowe to investigate suspected cases and contacts. As of 17 May, Puntland has confirmed 136 cases – the second highest after Banadir region.
Marginalised groups, persons with disabilities and older persons without caregivers, face issues of exclusion when trying to access humanitarian assistance due to discrimination based on age, gender and/or diversity. The Protection Cluster targets the most vulnerable members of society to ensure identification and referral to critical protection, life saving and humanitarian services.
Partners reported no closure of nutrition facilities due to the impact of COVID 19. Mothers have also been provided with MUAC tapes and simplified guidance to measure their nutrition status in the household reducing community workers contact, exposure, and spread of COVID 19. Cluster partners have been trained to monitor the bi weekly admission trends in the nutrition sites. The purpose is to respond quickly to a sudden increase in cases and also to ensure bi weekly reporting. This will further boost the rapid response and early warning mechanism and will also show the trends in the wasting admission rates.
These control operations have protected 90,388 metric tons of staple food from desert locust damage, valued at $27.1 million and sufficient to meet the cereal needs of 602,589 people for a year; as well as feed and pasture for 41,959 pastoral households for a year.
In order to support and better understand the needs and expectations of its implementing partners, the Somalia Humanitarian Fund  ( SHF )  launched an online After Action Review  ( AAR )  survey. The survey assessed SHF stakeholders' satisfaction with the management and processes related to the First Standard Allocation 2020.
Being a town of great historic and administrative importance, Kismayo benefited from infrastructural development for instance the development of the port and road linkages to other towns, and the establishment of a meat processing and tannery factory.
Protection concerns in Somalia are complex, multifaceted and protracted over multiple generations, thus requiring a robust and holistic protection response. The Protection Cluster is committed to ensuring a well coordinated, effective and principled protection response, and that protection is at the core of all humanitarian actions and is recognized as essential in any nexus with development and peace
IOM and MOH developed a reporting tool for Points of Entry  ( POEs )  daily screening and a Standard Operating Procedures  ( SOPs )  for Points of Entry  ( POEs )  used. MOH approved and endorsed the tool to be used daily in the Points of Entry  ( POEs )  to share data.
In parallel, WHO Somalia engaged with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and partners to procure and render operational three real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction  ( rRT PCR )  machines to test samples for COVID 19 in Mogadishu's National Public Health Reference Laboratory, and in laboratories in Hargeisa, Somaliland, and Garowe, Puntland. The three laboratories were supported with equipment, reagents, training and salaries
In coordination with MOH, IOM supported 3 ambulances for transportation of ill passengers from Points of Entry  ( POEs )  to designated isolation/ referral hospitals in Jubaland, Southwest states and Somaliland, from November to December 2020
IOM is currently procuring 3 thermal scanners to be situated in key Points of Entry  ( POEs )  to enhance health screening.
In coordination with MOH, IOM conducted a Points of Entry  ( POEs )  partner mapping in order to identify gaps, which partners and type of support being provided across Somalia. Currently, there are six partners providing support at various Points of Entry  ( POEs ) .
UNICEF provided protection services as well as vaccines for the immunization of children and women of childbearing age, alongside nutritional supplements for children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition  ( SAM ) .
In Jowhar district, Middle Shabelle region, riverine flooding affected more than 114,000 people, with nearly 40 per cent displaced from their homes.
Locusts have affected 685,000 people and close to 300,000 hectares of land, with potentially severe consequences for agriculture and pastoral based livelihoods.
As livelihoods become threatened due to the economic downturn and climate change induced disasters , so there is a risk that the incidence of domestic violence, human rights violations, violence against vulnerable populations, inter and intra communal and clan violence, and crime will rise. Displacement affected communities are especially vulnerable, and the number of forced evictions in urban areas may rise. Disinformation, increasing hate speech, discrimination vis à vis scapegoat groups of people and potential political misuse are also likely to increase.
As of 14 October, the MoH confirmed 3,864 COVID 19 cases with more than 3,000 recoveries and 99 deaths
WHO, UNICEF, IOM, UNFPA, and UNDP, along with international and national NGOs, are working to ensure continuity of essential health and nutrition services through investments in health preparedness and response. For example, UNICEF and WHO have reprogrammed GAVI funds as part of their response. Additional investments for protection for primary health care workers to remain in their posts are being made, in support of triage and assessment  ( to ensure patients with COVID 19 symptoms are safely separated from others ) ; infection prevention and control; personal protective equipment  ( PPE )  and modifications to protocols for staff and patient safety in the context of COVID 19.In addition, support for supply chain systems is being provided to ensure essential medical supplies and related commodities are available. These agencies have the potential to bring to scale previously planned health sector support, that has yet to be fully funded, which would not require new programming.
Food insecurity is likely to worsen during 2021 due to the impact of below average rains, the desert locust infestation and La Nina. The delayed and erratic rains in the recently completed Deyr season have led to below average crop production and poor replenishment of water points1 . As a result, it is estimated that up to 2.7 million people will likely face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity by mid 2021.
The COVID 19 crisis has created a need for improved management of medical waste and safe and dignified burials to avoid serious long term impacts on human health and ecosystems. To align and promote environmentally sustainable practices, UNDP plans to engage Federal and State level authorities, to assess the needs and to build capacities for safe, culturally appropriate and physically distanced burials, avoiding the risk of amplifying al Shabaab narratives. UNDP has supported the Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs  ( MoERA )  and the Ministry of Health to develop religious and safe burial  ( online )  guidelines for health workers. Teams are in place for Benadir region and for each FMS have been identified and will be trained and supplied with PPE provided by ICRC.
Improved access to water through durable solutions continued with two new pipe extensions work in Daynile and Kaxda districts in Banadir regions improving access to durable water sources to 60,000 people in the two districts.
A large population has only access to poorly designed shallow dug wells, sometimes less saline but also unreliable as dependant on rains.
In August, UNICEF continued supply of emergency water reaching 52,000 vulnerable people in Lower Shabelle and Lower Juba regions who were affected by the Hagaa floods which included 34,000 people through water trucking and 18,000 people had access to safe water after chlorination of 50 water points in the affected areas.
On 27 September, nearly 15,000 people were displaced, and more villages afflicted in in Jowhar District of Middle Shebelle, according to PRMN. According to community leaders, those affected have moved to higher grounds to escape the floodwaters that have submerged houses, damaged boreholes/wells, and destroyed farmlands.
Kismayo has one of the main ports of Somalia. However, for its proper expansion, several interventions would be needed, including cargooriented commercial facilities, as well as onshore infrastructure, cold chain for fisheries, etc.
In December, Food Security Cluster partners in Middle Shabelle region reported the invasion of new swarms of Desert Locusts. The new locust swarms crossed from Hiraan region causing damage to the pasture rich areas.
In 2019, deyr floods displaced over 370,000 people in the riverine areas.
Coordination with the national and local health authorities and other United Nations  ( UN )  agencies has been central to WHO's work in responding to the COVID 19 outbreak. In addition to our internal incident management system, which was activated in January 2020, as the lead agency for the response to COVID 19, we actively participated in other coordination meetings for an effective and timely response to the COVID 19 outbreak. These bodies included the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States, the Somaliland Ministry of Health and Development, UN Communications Group, Inter agency Risk Communication and Community Engagement task force, the UN Crisis Management Team, Humanitarian Country Team, Somalia Humanitarian Donor Group and the European Union.
Following a 380 per cent surge of measles cases in Kismayo in July  ( 197 cases )  compared to June  ( 41 cases ) , UNICEF has accelerated vaccination efforts and, whilst a targeted supplementary immunisation activity response in Kismayo is planned in September, 54.5 per cent of children under 1 in humanitarian supported regions have so far been vaccinated against measles.
Risk Education and COVID 19 Awareness to affected communities. Clearance Teams  ( Demining )  deployed in six minefields. Mobile Clearance Teams deployed across accessible districts. Clearance teams and liaison officers carrying out Non Technical Survey and related assessments. SEMA capacity building support built into UNMAS projects. Plan of action on Victim Assistance developed and endorsed by FGS
UNICEF continued to support sustainable water sources and reached 18,459 people through the rehabilitation of boreholes, water supply systems and construction of water storage in health facilities in Bari, Mudug, Gedo and Banadir regions