Since 2012, the International Rescue Committee has been providing healthcare and nutrition services to the nomadic population across the region. This includes supporting small children and pregnant women threatened by malnutrition; a vital service as over 10% of children in the region suffer from malnutrition. As fixed settlements are few and far between, the IRC provides its services through mobile clinics - all free of charge.

We had watched the dinghy from about a mile out, making its way slowly across the Aegean Sea to the island of Lesbos. The scene along this eight-mile stretch of coastline has become familiar: a small corps of volunteers waiting on the shore, using hand gestures to caution the person steering the boat to slow down; the overcrowded dinghy full of anxious faces turned toward land tantalizingly close.

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In all, more than 1 million Somalis have been displaced inside their country by drought and terrorism. Many are living in makeshift shelters in crowded conditions that are ripe for the spread of disease. And the violence that has gripped Somalia for decades has seriously weakened the country’s health care system, making it difficult for people to get medical attention. 

The sea and the desert are two of the most unforgiving environments for humans to survive. But thousands of people making the journey along the so-called Central Mediterranean Route are being left with no choice but to tackle the Earth’s harshest extremities.

IRC psychologist Kiki Michailidou describes the extreme challenges facing her clients living in the 'reception centre' in Moria, where many are contemplating suicide.

Sarah is an IRC nutritional manager for clinics in Yemen and is expecting her first child, she questions what the future holds for her and her baby.

On the 8th of March - International Women's Day - here are 8 steps decision makers must take to support women and girls fighting for their rights in the most difficult places on Earth.

Follow a mobile health team treating children in Yemen's remotest villages