Somalia Receives Major Vaccine Donation From UNICEF To Combat Cholera Outbreak
Somalia is set to receive 1.4 million doses of oral cholera vaccine valued at $2.5 million from UNICEF in response to the escalating cholera outbreak across the nation. The announcement, made on Saturday in Mogadishu, comes as the country faces a significant increase in cholera cases, with over 4,388 infections and 54 deaths recorded since January, two-thirds of which involved children.
The vaccines are targeted for distribution in five critical districts that have been hardest hit by the disease. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to curb the outbreak, which also includes enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene services in affected regions and community awareness initiatives on prevention methods.
This year’s surge in cholera cases, which is three times higher than the average of the past three years for the same period, is attributed to the devastating floods caused by El Niño at the end of 2023. These floods resulted in at least 118 deaths and displaced 1.2 million individuals.
The districts of Bossaso, Daynile, Mahady, Buurhakaba, and Balcad are among those earmarked for vaccine distribution, with Bossaso experiencing the highest fatality rate. Additionally, UNICEF is dispatching 40 cholera kits capable of treating approximately 4,000 people, each containing necessary drugs and equipment.
Somalia’s battle with cholera has been relentless since 2016, exacerbated by inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, frequent population movements, and high malnutrition levels. With the rainy season approaching, there are concerns over a potential rise in cholera cases, prompting health authorities to intensify their preparedness based on a six-month action plan that requires $5.9 million.
