00:01Mohammed Mal's one-year-old son, Makai, died from a relapse of severe malnutrition just
00:07days after being discharged from treatment at Banadir Hospital in Somalia.
00:16My son was first diagnosed with malnutrition at Banadir Hospital where we took him for
00:22stabilization program. He stayed there for 20 days eating therapeutic food. He was ultimately
00:36released from the stabilization ward but within days he relapsed and his situation became critical
00:43ultimately resulting in his unfortunate death today. Makai's death reflects a broader tragedy,
00:52unfolding across Somalia as international funding cuts severely disrupt child nutrition programs.
00:59Banadir Hospital has seen a dramatic rise in malnourished children admitted over recent months.
01:07This month and last month more than 500 malnourished children were treated at the center. The situation
01:13results from funding cuts leading to the closure of many centers and the layoff of health workers
01:19which has had catastrophic consequences. According to UNICEF, 15 percent of Somali children are
01:25currently suffering from acute malnutrition with nearly half a million facing the most severe form of
01:32high risk of death. Nutrition situation in Somalia is very critical with approximately 15 percent of
01:40children suffering acute malnutrition. Among them nearly half a million with the most severe form of
01:47acute malnutrition at a very high risk of death. Upon the funding cuts, UNICEF partners immediately
01:55stopped services that provide life-saving support which includes therapeutic supplies, supplemental and
02:04medical drugs across the country. The closures of feeding centers and the absence of critical supplies have left
02:13families like Maos without option and children like Makai without a second chance.
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