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More than a decade of conflict, drought and floods have left millions in Somalia unstable and desperate for humanitarian aid to survive. Currently, more than 70 percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day, nearly 45 percent live on less than $1 a day.

Since the beginning of 2007, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced due to ongoing conflict. In late October of 2007, an additional 90,000 fled from fighting in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

More than 40,000 of those forced to flee their homes now live in temporary settlements and makeshift shelters along roadsides leading out of the city. Many of those living in these areas lack access to basic services such as healthcare, shelter and water. The new influx of internally displaced people has strained the situation even further.

Continuing conflict and lack of security, combined with mass displacements leaves the people of Somalia in desperate need of emergency assistance. Unfortunately, escalating violence in the region makes it increasingly difficult for aid agencies to deliver much-needed supplies to Somali families and individuals.

Country director for Islamic Relief Somalia, Shihab Babiker, said in November, “Unfortunately the security situation has deteriorated to the level it was earlier this year and looks set to get even worse. Only a few aid agencies including Islamic Relief are able to work there now.”

Despite increasing challenges, Islamic Relief has been able to provide over 30,400 internally displaced peoples with emergency food and non-food items. Over $11,500 worth of medications was distributed in IDP camps to help prevent cholera outbreaks; over $400,000 was used to provide clean water, mobile medical clinics and food to IDP camps in Mogadishu; and over $140,000 was spent on the construction and rehabilitation of health services and supplies in Puntland.

In addition, over 16,000 children, including orphans, have benefitted from the establishment of 10 emergency schools near IDP camps in Mogadishu and Puntland.

Currently, with the help of generous donors and partners, Islamic Relief is working with the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) to provide over $930,000 worth of emergency support for internally displaced people including clean water, mobile medical care, food and non-food items and health service rehabilitation.

With help from the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Islamic Relief is distributing 200,000 liters of water to three main areas of Mogadishu.

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