The hunger crisis affecting children in Somalia is worsening as cuts to humanitarian aid leave more vulnerable families without enough food and essential services, according to UNICEF.
UNICEF has warned that thousands of children are at growing risk of severe malnutrition, particularly in communities already struggling with drought, displacement and poverty.
Aid reductions have made it harder for humanitarian organisations to provide food, clean water, healthcare and nutritional treatment to children in need. Families who have lost their livelihoods are also facing increasing difficulties in meeting their children's basic needs.
UNICEF is calling for urgent international support to prevent more children from becoming severely malnourished and to maintain life-saving services across Somalia.
The agency has warned that without additional funding and sustained humanitarian assistance, the situation could deteriorate further, putting the lives and wellbeing of large numbers of Somali children at risk.