Dealing with drought and disability in Somalia 

As the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, those living in the world’s poorest communities can find life particularly challenging. In Somalia, where recurring droughts and skyrocketing food prices leave millions struggling, people with disabilities face a daily battle for survival.  

Dirie, 55, lost his right leg in 1990 during Somalia’s civil war. “Since then, my brothers and extended family have been my lifeline, providing what little food and water they could,” he says.  

But, as drought continues to ravage his community in Hargeisa district, every day is a test of its members’ resilience, and Dirie’s family is finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. 

Dirie’s story echoes what is happening to thousands of people with disabilities across Somalia, who are dealing not only with physical limitations, but also with the economic burden caused by climate change and conflict in one of the world’s poorest countries. For those already marginalised, drought is worsening existing vulnerabilities, pushing many to the edge of survival. 

A crisis intensified by climate change 

Somalia has long been at the mercy of extreme weather, but recent droughts have reached unprecedented levels of severity, wiping out crops and livestock and depleting water supplies. As crops wither and animals die, many people in the communities worst affected have lost the means to produce their own food and lack the resources to buy it.  

“The drought has destroyed our ability to access food and water,” Dirie explains. The small items his wife is able to sell in local markets cannot provide enough income to cover their basic needs. 

“The combination of global inflation and prolonged drought has worsened an already critical situation,” says Abdirahman Ahmed, one of Islamic Relief’s programme officers in Somalia. “People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable because they often lack access to resources and face additional challenges when it comes to receiving aid.” 

In response, Islamic Relief has been distributing essential food packs to vulnerable households across Somalia. So far this year, 850 families have received supplies such as rice, wheat flour, sugar, and cooking oil. 50 of the families who have benefited include someone with a disability, as we strive to ensure that those most in need get the help they require. 

Barriers to access 

Despite our efforts, accessing food aid can be a challenge for people with disabilities. Distribution sites are often crowded, making it difficult for people with limited mobility to collect their supplies. “Carrying heavy food packs is hard for me,” Dirie explains. “I recently had surgery on my kidney, which makes it even more difficult.” 

Abdirahman says Islamic Relief is working to improve accessibility. “We’ve observed that individuals with disabilities face significant obstacles on distribution days,” he explains. “That’s why we’re planning to introduce new distribution sites that are more accessible for them.” 

Dirie, 55, lost his right leg in 1990 during Somalia’s civil war and faces challenges earning a living

Beyond physical barriers, there are social and economic challenges that make life difficult for people with disabilities. Many rely on their families or local networks for support, but that support can be hugely overstretched in times of crisis.  

When a family’s income is meagre and unreliable, it becomes a real struggle to make ends meet. “Sometimes we manage only 2 meals instead of 3,” Dirie says. 

Inclusive aid is essential 

Islamic Relief is determined to provide inclusive aid across Somalia – support that does not leave those with disabilities and other vulnerable people behind. We are working closely with local agencies and with organising committees in camps for displaced people to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable, prioritising those who cannot easily access food or healthcare. 

While these efforts are having a positive impact, Dirie believes that more aid is needed to support more families like his. “This support brings us happiness and helps us survive. But expanding your programme to reach more families with members who have disabilities would be a great blessing.” 

A call for greater support 

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dirie’s story shows us that humanitarian aid cannot be delivered effectively in a regimented, one-size-fits-all way. There is a pressing need for support that meets people where they are, including people with disabilities in places like Somalia. Small but impactful changes, such as establishing accessible distribution points, can make a world of difference for those already facing daunting obstacles. 

As Somalia’s disabled population endures hardships most of us can hardly imagine, the call for global solidarity and inclusive support grows louder. Dirie’s words resonate deeply: “I pray that Allah rewards and supports all who help us. May you continue this work and reach even more families in need.” 

Through Islamic Relief’s efforts, people with disabilities in Somalia are finding the strength to survive, despite the hardships they face.  

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us remember their resilience and commit to creating a world that cares for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure that no one is left behind. 

Islamic Relief works with local communities in many countries to provide relief from the devastating effects of climate change, empowering vulnerable people to adapt to the challenges it brings. Donate today to support our vital work. 

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.