Deka Ali Mohamed, a mother of three living in Gubadley IDP Settlement, was displaced from Mahaday district in Middle Shabelle due to recurrent drought and conflict. Like many displaced women, she faces significant challenges in meeting her family’s basic needs. Her youngest child, Ahmed became severely malnourished as the household struggled with food shortages and limited income opportunities.

“With no income and very little food, I feared for my child’s life,” Deka recalls. “Many days, we had nothing to eat.”

To support her family, Deka relies on occasional casual labor, including washing clothes and domestic work. However, the income is insufficient and unpredictable.

On 11 to 22 May 2026, SOHDA, with funding support from LM International, provided emergency food and nutrition assistance to Deka’s household. The assistance package included rice, wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil, porridge, peanut biscuits, and powdered milk to help address the immediate nutritional needs of the family.

“The assistance arrived when we needed it most,” said Deka. “My children were able to eat, and Ahmed received nutritious food to support his recovery. I sincerely thank LM International and SOHDA for their timely support and compassion. This assistance has restored hope to my family.”

Deka’s story demonstrates the critical importance of timely humanitarian assistance in protecting vulnerable displaced families and addressing food insecurity and child malnutrition in Somalia.