22 February 2018 - The Ministry of Health of Somalia has reported 98 new cases of AWD/cholera, with 1 associated death during week 6 (February 5 to 11) in 2018. The cumulative total number of cases is 850 with 3 associated deaths (CFR 0.4%) since the beginning of the current outbreak in December 2017. 

New cases have been reported in 8 districts in Banadir Region, Beletweyne district in Hiran Region, and Kismayo district in Lower Juba region. Out of 84 stool samples, 29 tested positive for Vibrio cholerae. Children under 5 represent 64% of the reported cases.  

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 an oral cholera vaccination campaign in Dhoobley and Hudur districts of South Central Somalia, 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.