Prolonged drought, coupled with fighting between militia groups and separatist regional governments, have wreaked havoc on the lives of many of the people of southern Somalia. In Galcayo, a group of MSF Somali staff provide surgical, women's health, tuberculosis and nutritional services at South Galcayo hospital.
The drought and high food prices mean that the nutritional centre, in particular, is often packed to capacity, admitting an average of 17 children each day. The women in the queue for attention are often exhausted after long, difficult and expensive journeys to the hospital.
Photographer Jan Grarup visited the project in November 2009.
Women and their children queue for treatment at the feeding centre at South Galcayo hospital
Photo by Jan Grarup/NOOR
The feeding programme is currently treating 90 patients in a space meant for only 60
Photo by Jan Grarup/NOOR
Women arriving at the centre are issued with mosquito nets to protect themselves and their children
Photo by Jan Grarup/NOOR
Mothers who have made the long journey to Galcayo can watch their children's health and well-being improve Photo by Jan Grarup/NOOR
An average of 17 children a day are admitted to MSF's nutritional programme in Galcayo – an all-time high
Photo by Jan Grarup/NOOR
Elsewhere in South Galcayo hospital this man is being treated for tuberculosis Photo by Jan Grarup/NOOR