Kevin Mackey

National Director - World Vision Somalia

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

“People are on the move… and when people move, people die.”

I spoke with @AP about the humanitarian crisis in #Somalia.

I recently met families who had walked for 9 days through drought-hit areas, searching for aid.

Many have been forced from their homes with nothing but what they can carry. For some, the journey is too long. They don’t make it to the places where they hope to find help.This is the reality of Somalia’s prolonged drought.

We cannot look away.

https://t.co/SCWU49dA6U

[UCB News @UCBNewsTeam]

The number of children in Somalia suffering acute malnutrition is up by 60% compared to last year. Charities warn that their ability to save lives has been depleted by international aid cuts. We hear from @MackeyKev of @WVSomalia. Listen 🎧: https://t.co/Q2Y78C6qnZ

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

Haadful Farm in Dollow shows what resilience building looks like in practice. In Somalia, communities face repeated shocks ,drought, displacement, market disruption.

Projects like this help people plan for the future and absorb those shocks when they hit. Resilience is about building options.

 Thanks to @WFP Somalia for partnering with us to strengthen community resilience in Somalia. This is how we move from emergency response to long-term stability.

#Resilience #FoodSecurity #Somalia #WFP #Livelihoods #HumanitarianDevelopment

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

It was great to support the launch of the DANIDA funded Anticipatory Action and Climate Resilience along Transhumance (AART) learning event. AART is the coming together of @SomRePOfficial,@caresom, @WVSomalia,@wardirelief and @SoDMA_Somalia and Min. Of Agriculture.

A project based on the the simple but powerful premise: pastoral mobility is not a problem managed; it is a solution to be supported. AART moves from reactive response to anticipatory action. For the first time in four decades- pastoral routes, grazing areas, water points, crisis pathways and service locations were mapped. Technical products to make practical decision-making tools that guides investments, reduce conflict, and align services with mobility patterns in Somalia’s dry lands.

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

Honoured to have supported the launch of the Community Health Strategy. With the support of our Global Center and in partnership with government, World Vision has analysed current practices and put forth a plan which sees a streamlined approach which recognises their important contribution to saving mother and children’s lives.

Everyday Community Health Workers most of who are women: walk long distances, enter homes, build trust, counsel families, make referrals and follow up under difficult conditions. Addressing workload, compensation, supervision is not only about health system performance; it is about gender equity and social justice.

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

With the support of generous donors, including the Dutch Government and the US Department of State, and in partnership with the @WorldFoodProgramme, @WVSomalia established a vital health facility providing essential services to communities displaced by conflict and drought.

As the drought intensifies, the need for accessible, quality healthcare has never been greater. This facility is delivering lifesaving support—ensuring that mothers receive the care they need and that children can recover from preventable and treatable illnesses.

Each day, the situation becomes more urgent. More children and mothers are falling ill, and facilities like this remain a critical lifeline for vulnerable families.

Continued support is essential to sustain and expand this work. Together, we can help ensure that communities facing extreme hardship receive the care and dignity they deserve

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

The drought in Somalia is forcing families to make desperate choices. In Dollow, I met families who walked for nine days, leaving behind their homes, livestock, and livelihoods in search of basic necessities. Two years of no rain have pushed them to the edge.

Local authorities are registering them in IDP camps, but the needs are overwhelming. Children and families are paying the heaviest price. We urgently need your support to provide humanitarian aid to these families in crisis.

Let's come together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

#SomaliaCrisis #HumanitarianSupport #DroughtRelief

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

In Luq, World Vision community health workers are out screening the local population mainly consisting of internally displaced people trying to identify cases of diseases, malnutrition and providing health advice.

In the last three months, the number of children as severely malnourished has gone from 5 per week to 20, this is an indicator of the stress the community is under due to the drought. As resources dwindle, health services are also going down.

Thanks to the Nexus Accelerator Fund through support from @worldvisioncan @WorldVisionAus and for the gap filling resources to support health services.

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

Through partnership with the #Somali Response Innovation hub, we came up with an innovative concept to do hygiene promotion through embedding a small toy in the hygiene kits. Through this innovation children are washing their hands longer and more frequently.

Simple yet effective! Such collaborations are driving change in Luuq and beyond. @SomRePOfficial

[WV Somali @WVSomalia]

RESILIENCE IN MOTION.

Haadful Farm in Dollow, #Somalia, is a beacon of hope amidst the devastating drought affecting millions. This once-barren land has been transformed into a thriving oasis, thanks to support from @WVSomalia and the @WFPSomalia

Over 200 families have transitioned from unconditional cash transfers to sustainable farming practices, cultivating crops year-round with irrigation equipment and drought-resistant seeds.

Read more: https://t.co/MUIgLEe1gd

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

With support from the Nexus Accelerator Fund, @WorldVision is strengthening peace building efforts in Luq by empowering local Peace Committees. These committees play a vital role in addressing small-scale conflicts, complementing larger peace processes.

When tensions arise, trained members deploy to mediate, applying skills gained through @WVSomalia and partners to find middle ground and offer solutions that prevent escalation into larger conflicts.

This community-led approach is fostering resilience, trust, and sustainable peace at the grassroots level.

Grateful for the collaboration and support driving this impactful work. @worldvisioncan @WorldVisionAus

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

With the support of @EU_Commission, the SHIP consortium is delivering a lifeline to mothers and children in some of Somalia’s hardest-to-reach areas. While many pull back, SHIP remains steadfast, reaching vulnerable communities with essential health and nutrition services.

At Hilac Health Centre, doctors are treating malnourished children and providing care that’s critical to reducing child mortality. This work is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the responsibility we all share to support one another in times of crisis, thanks to ECHO for making this all possible

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

I was honoured to deliver the opening remarks at the launch of the Joining Forces Alliance chapter in hashtag#Somalia. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of promoting child rights. @WorldVision, @save_children,@Plan, and @SOS are uniting to amplify our impact and ensure a brighter future for Somalia's children.

As we navigate the complexities of today's world, it's clear that collaboration and innovation are key. Together, we can achieve far more than we could alone.

Let's work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of Somalia's children.

#JoiningForces #JoiningForcesSomalia #ChildRightsNow #EndViolenceAgainstChildren

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

In Luq, Southern Somalia, @WorldVisionSomali is providing critical support to community animal health workers, enabling them to deliver essential vaccinations to livestock affected by the drought.

With funding from the Nexus Accelerator Fund, this initiative is bolstering the resilience of vulnerable communities, safeguarding their livestock and livelihoods. As drought conditions take hold, timely interventions like these are crucial in helping families navigate this challenging period.

@worldvisioncan @WorldVisionAus #NAFProject #Resilience #WorldVision

[OCHA Somalia @OCHASom]

#Somalia’s health system is under immense strain. With 95% of its health budget reliant on external aid, funding cuts could force 618 facilities to close in 2026.

Hardest-hit communities face daily challenges accessing health care.

Read more: https://t.co/AMODtccVkv

[WFP Somalia @WFPSomalia]

At the current rate, 5,000 children in Somalia are falling into malnutrition every day.

@WFP’s support is already extremely limited, and without urgent funding, even lifesaving treatment for the most vulnerable will come to a stop.

[WV Somali @WVSomalia]

Amid ongoing drought and limited humanitarian funding, the Food System Project with support from @WFPSomalia is bringing hope to families in Dollow’s IDP camps.

We have supported 200 women-headed households to establish kitchen gardens, improving their food security and helping them build sustainable livelihoods.

Even with limited space, our Food Security and Livelihood team introduced simple, space-saving techniques such as multi-storey gardens, micro-gardens, tie gardens, raised beds, and small drip-irrigation systems.These methods allow women to grow fresh vegetables at home throughout the year and even sell surplus produce in the local market.

This initiative is not just improving nutrition; it is empowering women, strengthening resilience, and restoring dignity for families affected by the crisis.

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

Dhobane Health Facility remains a critical lifeline as funding declines. Our monitoring shows MoH teams delivering strong #nutrition screening and maternal care.
With fewer facilities operating, scaling IYCF and CHV outreach is urgent. Grateful to partners keeping services alive

[Kevin Mackey @MackeyKev]

With @eu_echo's support, the SHIP Consortium delivers cash assistance and hygiene support to displaced families in Somalia and Somaliland. Collaboration is key to sustaining life-saving aid amid shrinking resources.
#HumanitarianAction #Partnerships