1 August 2018 – The Ministry of Health of Somalia has announced 88 new cases of cholera, including one associated death for week 29 (16 to 22 July) of 2018. There has been a decreasing trend of newly reported cases for three consecutive weeks. The cumulative total of cases is 5968, including 41 associated deaths (case-fatality rate 0.7%) since the beginning of the current outbreak in December 2017. Among them, 48% are below 2 years old. Of 248 stool samples so far collected since the beginning of this year, 79 tested positive for Vibrio cholerae, serotype O1 Ogawa.
This week, active transmission was reported in three regions: 8 districts in Banadir, Jowhar district in Middle Shabelle and Kismayo district in Lower Jubba.
Banadir, where the highest concentration of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) resides in camps, reported 37.5% of the new cases (49) including one death. Banadir hospital has admitted the highest number of cholera patients compared to other treatment facilities in the country. Cumulatively, 2328 cases were admitted since the beginning of the outbreak.
WHO provides leadership and support for activities with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to respond to this outbreak. Coordination meetings were held in the flood-affected districts with MoHs at Federal and State levels to effectively collaborate with health cluster partners. WHO has also continued to support clinical care delivery, including supervision and monitoring of case management in cholera treatment centers. On-the-job trainings were conducted in Kismayo, Farjano and Banadir and medical supplies were prepositioned in the flood-affected regions. Surveillance and investigation of rumors have been ongoing.
WHO also works with WASH cluster partners on chlorination of water sources in the affected areas of Hnati-wadaag and Bulo-Sheigh. Distribution of 1500 hygiene kits took place in Bula-gaduud village which recently became accessible. A cholera prevention and control forum was held among community leaders in the IDP camp in Kismayo district. Hygiene promotion is ongoing in Farjano, Allanly, Gulwada and Shagalsha.