In Somalia, acute malnutrition has become a chronic problem. In many areas, prevalence consistently exceeds emergency thresholds. While levels of acute malnutrition fluctuate over seasons and among livelihood zones, a meta analysis of surveys taken over the past ten years shows a national median rate of 16.7% global acute malnutrition and 4.4% for severe acute malnutrition in the overall population, with slightly higher levels in IDPs. The underlying causes of acute malnutrition include a lack of access to health care services, poor hygiene and sanitation facilities, high incidence of morbidity, sub-optimal childcare practices, poor or irregular access to nutritious food stuffs including milk. These underlying causes are perpetuated by poverty, low education levels, a lack of infrastructure and public services, livelihood systems eroded by destructive climatic events, as well as ongoing conflict and displacement. The management of acute malnutrition is a vital link in reducing mortality and promoting optimal nutrition and development for Somali children.