Somalia: Disease outbreaks surge after floods, straining health services

OCHA is sounding the alarm over a surge in disease outbreaks following recent floods in the region of Mudug in Somalia’s north, where suspected cholera and acute watery diarrhoea cases are rising rapidly.

Health authorities have confirmed five cholera cases, including one death, in eastern Gaalkacyo, the capital of Mudug region.

Since the start of the year, more than 5,800 acute watery diarrhoea cases have been reported across the region, including more than 1,900 in the last two months. Authorities attribute the outbreak primarily to contaminated water sources and overflowing latrines following the floods.

Meanwhile, a bit further south in Hirshabelle State, health authorities have reported more than 1,800 suspected measles cases and 102 suspected diphtheria cases since January.

Humanitarian partners working in health say that low immunization coverage, limited access to health services and seasonal rains could fuel the spread of disease.

The World Health Organization and the UN’s partners are stepping up efforts to respond, working closely with local health authorities. Mobile medical teams and emergency supplies are being deployed, and disease surveillance is being strengthened.

Partners are also expanding water quality testing and treatment, malaria prevention measures and hygiene campaigns, while preparing to increase capacity to treat patients.

But health facilities are struggling to cope due to overcrowding and shortages of essential supplies.

More funding is urgently needed to contain these outbreaks and save lives. Less than 40 per cent of the $852 million needed for the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan has been received so far, with less than one-third of health funding requirements met. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).