UN humanitarians scale up cholera response in Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia (PANA) - The spread of cholera and acute watery diarrhoea is continuing in Somalia, with over 470 new cases registered in recent days, including nine deaths, the UN aid coordination agency, OCHA, warned on Wednesday.

Most incidents are concentrated in the areas that experienced severe flooding late last year, the UN said, adding that over 18,300 cases were reported during last year, more than half of them children under five.

OCHA is leading the response, setting up new treatment centres in flood-affected areas and running extensive community education and awareness campaigns through health workers and outreach teams.

Alongside Somalia’s Ministry of Health, humanitarians in the country have activated a national cholera task force and developed a six-month plan to scale up the response, which will require some $5.6 million. 

With preparations for anticipated April to June flooding now underway, insufficient funding remains a critical concern, UN humanitarians said.

-0- PANA MA 25Jan2024