A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in March 2026
Highlights from the work of the UN system in the month of March
Humanitarian| Partners launch advocacy strategy to respond to humanitarian needs in Somalia
In response to the ongoing drought crisis, OCHA, the NGO Consortium, and Somalia Disaster Management Agency have launched drought advocacy strategy to establish a coordinated framework for action in response to the escalating drought crisis in Somalia. The Humanitarian Country Team strategy defines the overall approach, priority audiences, geographic focus, and advocacy channels to be leveraged at national, regional, and global levels. Advocacy will be evidence-driven, grounded in credible data, joint analysis, and field-based insights to clearly articulate the scale, severity, and urgency of the drought crisis. As part of the strategy, a coordinated media and public awareness campaign will be implemented to amplify the human impact of the drought and the consequences of funding cuts. The drought has affected over 5 million people.
Security| Acting ASG, AUSSOM Head in joint solidarity visit of troops in Beletweyne and Jowhar
Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, joined Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), on a
During the joint visit, Ms. Sadozai honoured the dedication of AUSSOM troops in Somalia and reaffirmed UNSOS’ steadfast support towards implementation of the AUSSOM mandate. “As UNSOS, we fully recognise what you are facing every day; the sacrifices you make, the work that you do to ensure operational continuity,” Ms. Sadozai said.
Infrastructure |Expanding climate-resilient water solutions to reduce displacement
In 2025, IOM together with authorities, scaled up climate-adapted water interventions across Somalia, constructing 12 boreholes, rehabilitating 48 shallow wells, and installing 120 water points and kiosks, reaching over 86,000 people across 20 locations, and delivering more than 46 million litres of water. Solar-powered systems improved reliability and reduced operational costs, while increased access to safe water supported livelihoods, livestock, and small-scale farming. With drought driving up to 77 percent of new displacements, these efforts are helping reduce the need to move and strengthen community stability in affected areas.
Health | A school-based diphtheria campaign reached over 400,000 children in Puntland.
In March, a school-based diphtheria vaccination campaign was carried out across Puntland in response to the ongoing outbreak in Somalia. The campaign targeted over 400,000 children aged 5–15 years, with 683 vaccination teams deployed to reach students directly in their schools. By setting up vaccination points within school compounds, health teams were able to vaccinate children efficiently without disrupting learning, while routine immunisation services for children under five continued as planned. This campaign followed a similar effort in Banadir Region and is part of a broader national response, with plans to expand to other states. Teachers, parents, and community leaders supported the rollout, helping ensure children participated in an organised and safe environment. Using schools as entry points proved effective in reaching large numbers of children quickly, helping protect their health and keep them in class.
Sustainable Development| UNIDO Strengthens Institutional Capacity for Sustainable Development
Supported by UNIDO under the Jowhar Off-Stream Storage Programme (JOSP), the HirShabelle Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) continues to strengthen its institutional capacity through targeted, demand-driven training tailored to previously identified technical gaps.
In March, the second phase of the training equipped 35 young ministry staff members with practical skills in strategic and operational planning, transparent procurement, performance monitoring using KPIs, and risk and supply chain management.
By strengthening institutional systems and human capital, the initiative aims to improve departmental performance, enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, and reinforce the ministry’s role in advancing economic growth and inclusive, sustainable development in HirShabelle and across Somalia.
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
