The UN has opened a drought operations coordination centre in Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West state, to promote effective and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance in the region.

Forty-seven children have died from hunger-related ailments in Banaadir Hospital in the Somali capital over the last two months, according to the head of the hospital’s pediatric unit, Dr. Luul Mohamud Mohamed.

International Women’s Day was observed in Somalia’s regional capitals today as the world paid tribute to women and the role they play in society. In Jubbaland state, festivities were held in the port city of Kismaayo and attended by hundreds of people.