Children Bearing the Brunt
Authorities and aid groups warn that diphtheria cases are climbing quickly across Somalia, with youngsters making up over 97% of reported infections. The highly contagious bacterial illness, though preventable by vaccination, is spreading due to gaps in immunisation and harsh living conditions.
Cases and Deaths Rising Fast
Dr Abdulrazaq Yusuf Ahmed, director of Demartino hospital in Mogadishu, said the surge has been dramatic. “In 2024 we treated 49 patients, but in just four months of 2025 we’ve already received 497 cases,” he noted. Deaths have also risen sharply, from 13 to 42.
Nationwide Statistics Show Scale of Crisis
The health ministry confirmed 1,616 cases and 87 deaths this year. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) stressed that nearly all infections are in children under 15, pointing to low vaccination coverage, vaccine hesitancy, and difficult living environments as key drivers.
Treatment Supplies Running Out
MSF medical coordinator Frida Athanassiadis said many facilities lack the essentials to handle the growing numbers. Emergency stocks of diphtheria antitoxin have already been depleted, with the World Health Organization and Somalia’s health ministry rationing limited supplies to the areas in greatest need.
Other Diseases on the Rise
Save the Children reported that from April to July, cases of measles, cholera, whooping cough, diphtheria and severe respiratory infections doubled from about 22,600 to more than 46,000. Around 60% were in children under five. The charity linked the spike to recent cuts in aid, which have hindered vaccination efforts and health services.
Communities Express Fear
Residents of Mogadishu say the outbreak is deeply worrying. “Many children in my neighbourhood are ill, some are in hospital,” said Abdiwahid Ali. Shopkeeper Anab Hassan added: “A friend lost her five-year-old daughter to diphtheria. Every day we hear about more children getting sick.”
