Conflict, drought and rising food prices are combining to create a severe humanitarian crisis in Somalia.  Ongoing fighting between the transitional government and insurgents has displaced more than 1 million people and left at least 35% of the population in need of emergency food aid.

The International Rescue Committee is responding to the rapidly deteriorating situation by providing urgent water and sanitation for tens of thousands of displaced people and the communities now hosting them.

We are currently focusing on the Mudug Region, Central Somalia, where thousands have fled from the Mogadishu area.  Since late 2007, the IRC has been providing clean, accessible drinking water to displaced people and local communities by rehabilitating hand-dug wells in busy locations.  We have also been supporting safe sanitation, promoting hygiene and improving livelihoods through water programmes for livestock.