Children Most Affected
Health officials and aid agencies warn that diphtheria is spreading rapidly in Somalia, with over 97% of cases in children. The bacterial infection, which can be prevented through vaccination, has been rising due to low immunisation rates and poor living conditions.
Sharp Rise in Cases
Dr Abdulrazaq Yusuf Ahmed, head of Demartino hospital in Mogadishu, reported a major spike. “In 2024 we admitted 49 patients, but within just four months of 2025 the number has reached 497,” he said. Deaths have also climbed from 13 to 42.
National Data Shows Alarming Trend
The health ministry confirmed 1,616 infections and 87 deaths this year. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) highlighted that most cases are children under 15 and attributed the spread to vaccine gaps, reluctance to vaccinate, and worsening living conditions.
Critical Shortages of Treatment
MSF’s coordinator, Frida Athanassiadis, said hospitals lack resources to cope. Initial antitoxin supplies have already run out, and the World Health Organization together with Somalia’s health ministry are distributing the few remaining doses where most urgent.
Other Illnesses Rising Too
Save the Children reported that between April and July, cases of measles, cholera, diphtheria, whooping cough and severe respiratory infections rose from 22,600 to more than 46,000. Nearly 60% involved children under five. The organisation blamed reduced aid, which has weakened vaccination campaigns and treatment services.
Local Voices of Concern
Mogadishu residents describe growing fear. “Several children nearby are sick, some are in hospital,” said resident Abdiwahid Ali. Shopkeeper Anab Hassan added: “A friend lost her five-year-old daughter to diphtheria. Every day we hear of more children falling ill.”
