Cholera claims at least 54 lives in Somalia prompting humanitarian calls for action

At least 54 people have died from cholera in Somalia in recent months, with nine deaths occurring in the past week, marking the highest weekly death toll this year, according to Save the Children.

The organization emphasized the vulnerability of children to the disease, with 59% of the 4,388 confirmed cases in 2024 belonging to children under the age of five.

The outbreak is believed to be a result of severe flooding in areas like Mogadishu, Beledweyne, and Baidoa.

Save the Children is urgently calling for action from local governments and health agencies to combat the rapid spread of cholera, especially in areas with inadequate sewage treatment and flooded regions.

The aid agency is implementing an emergency response strategy to prevent further transmission of the disease, including establishing two cholera treatment centers and providing essential hygiene kits and water treatment supplies.