Millions of people in Somalia could be at risk of famine as a severe drought and the Ukraine crisis drive up the cost of food.

“The patients who come here are totally dependent on the services this hospital gives them,” Mohamed Yuusuf, doctor at IRC-run South Galkacyo Hospital in Somalia explains.

Somalia now ranks at the top of the International Rescue Committee’s Emergency Watchlist. Here are five reasons why the country could face the world’s worst crisis in 2023.

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. 

"Every day we see the numbers grow," says Marian Hassan Mohamud. She is referring to the one million plus people in Somalia who have been displaced from their homes by drought, hunger and war.

Meet the people on the frontlines of the devastating crisis.

Imagine turning on a tap and seeing dirty water pour out. What would you do? Would you drink it? Would you wash your hands in it? Would you give some to your child