US EditionSomalia faces diphtheria surge amid vaccine shortages and aid cuts
- Diphtheria cases and deaths have sharply increased in Somalia, with over 1,600 cases and 87 deaths reported this year, according to Hussein Abdukar Muhidin from Somalia's National Institute of Health.
- U.S. aid cuts have significantly reduced health funding in Somalia, making vaccine distribution harder, as stated by Health Minister Ali Haji Adam.
- Somalia allocated only 4.8% of its budget to health in 2024, down from 8.5% the previous year, according to Amnesty International.
- Childhood vaccination rates have improved, but many children remain unvaccinated, leading to severe cases.
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87 deaths, over 1,600 cases: Somalia sees diphtheria surge as Trump aid cuts hamper vaccination
Somalia is battling a sharp rise in diphtheria cases and deaths, with over 1,600 infections and 87 fatalities recorded this year. Health officials blame vaccine shortages and steep US aid cuts for crippling vaccination efforts, leaving thousands of children at risk.
Diphtheria Surge in Somalia Highlights Impact of Vaccine Shortages and Aid Cuts
In Somalia, the diphtheria crisis has intensified with over 1,600 cases and 87 deaths recorded this year. Vaccine shortages and cuts in U.S. aid have severely hampered response efforts. The outbreak underscores the challenges faced by the country's healthcare system, highlighting the impact of reduced foreign assistance and limited government funding.
Over 1,600 cases of diphtheria were recorded this year and 87 patients died as a result of the disease, which more than doubled compared to the previous year.
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