The latest briefing from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirms a sharp rise in cholera and acute watery diarrhea in Somalia. In a single week, more than 470 reported cases were identified across the country, and nine people have died from the illness. The figure reflects a continued wave of illness that has strained health services in the region and increased pressure on vulnerable communities already dealing with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care.
The present outbreak is part of a larger pattern that began in 2023, when an initial surge of illness sickened more than 18,000 people, the majority of whom were children under the age of five. Health authorities and aid partners have described this as a persistent public health challenge that requires sustained vaccination campaigns, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, and robust surveillance to prevent further spread. As the disease cycles through communities, the focus remains on rapid case management, safe burial practices, and community education to reduce transmission.
Most new cases in Somalia have been reported in Hirshabelle, a region recently affected by severe flooding following heavy rainfall. The floods have disrupted sanitation systems, damaged latrines, and displaced families, creating conditions that favor the spread of cholera. Health workers are prioritizing rapid diagnosis, treatment with rehydration therapy, and the distribution of oral rehydration salts to households. International partners are supporting vaccination drives and water purification efforts to curb outbreaks and protect children and other high-risk groups.
In Zambia, authorities have reported a cholera outbreak that began earlier in the year, with thousands of cases detected since October. The concern is heightened by the potential for rapid transmission in crowded settlements and areas with limited access to clean water. The World Health Organization has pledged assistance, and a stockpile of one million cholera vaccine doses is expected to arrive in January to support mass vaccination campaigns and targeted protection for vulnerable communities. Public health teams are also reinforcing surveillance, case management, and community engagement to slow the spread of the disease and prevent future flare-ups.
Meanwhile, UN agencies and humanitarian partners have expressed ongoing concern about cholera threats in Sudan, where conflict and displacement complicate disease control efforts. Access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and essential health services remains uneven across the country, underscoring the need for coordinated response, vaccine distribution where appropriate, and strong communications to help communities recognize symptoms early and seek timely care.