Hospitals in parts of Somalia are struggling to meet a surge in needs due to a sharp increase in hostilities and military operations since the start of 2024, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday, April 10.
“Several regions of Somalia have seen a sharp escalation of hostilities, and hospitals near active frontlines are struggling to meet a surge in needs,” the organisation said in a statement.
“In the capital Mogadishu, Madina Hospital that is supported by the ICRC has admitted 203 weapon-wounded patients – a 26% increase compared to the previous quarter,” it added.
“In the first three months of the year, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivered emergency medical supplies to 20 hospitals across the country to treat an influx of patients with weapon-related injuries.”
The ICRC said the southern Middle and Lower Shabelle regions had witnessed a significant rise in fighting since March, causing civilian casualties and displacements.
“The surge in fighting across the country has not only put additional strain on medical facilities treating the wounded but has also forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes, placing more pressure on the dwindling humanitarian resources,” it said.
“This increase in armed violence comes at a critical juncture, as a looming drought and significant humanitarian funding gaps threaten to deepen the crisis and erode coping mechanisms for millions of people,” the ICRC added.
“Likewise, military operations in Bari region of Puntland have entered their fourth month, while regular confrontations continue to happen in Sool and Sanaag regions.”
The ICRC statement followed attacks that heightened fears of a resurgence by Al Shabaab.
