UN Announces $2 Million Emergency Allocation to Fight Cholera Outbreak in Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The UN has allocated US$2 from the emergency fund to respond to the cholera outbreak in Somalia as thousands of cases of the deadly disease are reported across the country.

The Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths announced the allocation Monday from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

According to the World Health Organization, more than 10,000 cases and 120 deaths have been reported in seven states across the country since January.

The UN Humanitarian Agency, OCHA said the residual effects of the historic La Nina event in 2023 fueled outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera in Somalia.

In addition, the current Gu (April to June) seasonal rains and flash floods are expected to affect at least 770,000 people by the time the season ends. Damage to water sources, and water, sanitation and hygiene facilities is exacerbating the acute watery diarrhoea and cholera outbreaks, the UN body said.

This CERF allocation is supporting United Nations agencies and their partners to provide lifesaving assistance to 60,000 people, providing critical health, water, sanitation and hygiene response in Puntland and Central Southern states, OCHA Somalia said in a statement. It added that the allocation will not only save lives but also mitigate the further spread of cholera to surrounding communities in Somalia.