15 February 2018 - The Ministry of Health of Somalia has reported 103 new cases of AWD/cholera, with no associated death during week 5 (January 29 to February 4) in 2018. The cumulative total number of cases is 750 with two associated deaths (CFR 0.3%) since the beginning of the current outbreak in December 2017.  Children under 5 represent 64% of the reported cases.  

Over the past 5 weeks, there has been an increase in the number of AWD/Cholera cases from Banadir, Lower Jubba, and Hiran. Out of 84 stool samples tested, 24 returned positive for bacteria vibrio cholerae.

WHO is coordinating the planning and implementation of response activities with the Ministry of Health, WASH and Health cluster partners, and local health authorities. This includes support for case management in cholera treatment centres in Banadir, Beledweyne, and Kismayo; surveillance; deployment of rapid response teams; engagement of community health workers; provision of medical supplies; health and hygiene education in affected communities; and distribution of hygiene kits in Beledweyne and Kismayo.

Somalia experienced a major cholera outbreak in 2017 with 79 172 reported cases and 1159 associated deaths. The main contributing factor was severe drought brought on by 3 consecutive seasons of poor rainfall, and the drying up of Somalia’s main rivers – the Shebelle and Jubba – which affected communities along the rivers, causing loss of crops and livestock, food and water shortage, and internal displacement of population.