Muno Ali Saney, a 25-year-old mother of six, reflects on the harrowing journey her family undertook in search of safety and a better life: “We escaped not just the drought, but the flames of conflict that destroyed our home.”
In recent years, the ongoing drought has worsened malnutrition among children under five in Somalia, particularly in the Bay region. Diinsor district, one of the hardest-hit areas, has become a focal point for the GFFO Project, a comprehensive humanitarian initiative funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and implemented in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This project aims to provide essential services to 15,035 households affected by drought, ensuring safe, equitable, and sustained access to critical health, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), protection, and food security services.
The Journey to Safety
Driven from their village of Buulo-Ooman by devastating drought and violence from Al-Shabaab, Muno and her children embarked on a perilous five-day journey to Diinsor, their only means of transport a donkey cart. “The road was treacherous, and every day felt like a fight for survival,” Muno recalls.
Throughout their arduous trek, the family faced constant hunger and exhaustion, with Muno’s daughter, Fadumo, suffering from severe malnutrition. “It was terrifying—hungry, scared of wild animals, and always fearing another attack,” Muno shared.
Upon reaching the Barakow IDP camp in Siinaay village, Muno hoped for safety but found life in the camp just as precarious. Overcrowding and a lack of basic necessities made each day a struggle for survival. Muno’s primary concern remained her daughter Fadumo, whose fragile health required immediate attention.
GREDO’s Lifeline through the GFFO Project
“Thanks to GREDO and the International Rescue Committee, my child received the care she desperately needed,” Muno expressed gratefully. Through the Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP), part of the GFFO Project, Fadumo received essential nutritional support and vital health supplies, including life-saving medications.
As the GFFO Project aims to improve overall living conditions and reduce malnutrition, Muno’s family benefitted from comprehensive health services, WASH initiatives, and Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) to meet their basic needs. “We were given the means to survive, not just live,” Muno emphasized, reflecting on the support they received.
Weeks later, after consistent treatment, Fadumo began to show signs of recovery. “Her strength returned, and it felt like a miracle,” Muno said. With her weight increasing from 6.7 kg to 7.2 kg and her Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) improving from 10.7 cm to 12.6 cm, the signs of hope were undeniable.
Fadumo’s progress led her from the OTP program to the Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) at another health center in Diinsor, thanks to the dedicated efforts of GREDO’s team.
A Mother’s Gratitude
“I am deeply grateful for GREDO’s support,” Muno says, her voice filled with emotion. “Both of my children are healthier now, and we have hope for a brighter future.”
As the GFFO Project continues its vital work in Diinsor, families like Muno’s are finding strength in the support and compassion of humanitarian efforts, transforming despair into hope.