Malnutrition and morbidity trends in Somalia between 2007 and 2016: Results from 291 cross-sectional surveys

Article on malnutrition and morbidity trends in Somalia during the last decade, disaggregated by geographical zone and livelihood system. Data from 291 cross-sectional surveys conducted in children aged 6–59 months between 2007 and 2016 in Somalia was used. Wasting, morbidity and stunting prevalence over time were analysed by geographic area, livelihood system and season. Logistic regressions were used to test trends. The wasting trends showed a striking peak in 2011, more marked in southern and central Somalia and coinciding with the famine declaration. The trend declined slightly thereafter although not consistently across all zones and livelihoods, and was raised again in 2016 especially among internally displaced persons (IDPs). Stunting declined for all groups and in all zones but with more consistent patterns in northern Somalia. Morbidity also showed a declining trend, although with multiple peaks depicting disease outbreaks. Pastoralist showed the lowest stunting estimates overall, while agrarian populations showed the lowest prevalence of wasting and morbidity. IDPs were the most affected by all outcomes. Seasonality affected the three outcomes differently by livelihood system. Stunting rates increased after the 2011 famine for all age groups within children under 5 years. Despite the continuous complex situation in Somalia, there was a sustained decline in stunting and morbidity in the last decade. Wasting trends remained at very high levels especially in north-east and the south zones of Somalia. The findings support the importance of performing trend analyses disaggregated by zone and livelihood groups within countries to better identify priorities for programme intervention.