Mogadishu, Somalia – SONNA – Dr. Ali Haaji Aaden, Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, today participated in a high-level virtual meeting dedicated to combating the persistent threat of cholera across the African continent. The crucial discussions, convened by the President of the Republic of Zambia in collaboration with key international bodies including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, focused on fortifying regional cooperation and joint efforts to significantly reduce the impact of cholera outbreaks.
During the virtual session, Minister Aaden provided a stark update on the cholera situation within Somalia, painting a concerning picture of the disease’s burden. He reported that since the beginning of 2024, the nation has recorded more than 21,000 cholera cases and 138 associated deaths. The urgency of the situation is further amplified by the statistics for 2025, with over 4,400 cases detected in 19 districts across Somalia within just the first five months of the year.
The Minister expressed particular alarm regarding the vulnerability of young children to the disease. He highlighted that nearly two-thirds of the reported cholera cases occur in children under five years of age, a demographic particularly susceptible to the severe dehydration and complications that cholera can cause. This alarming trend, Dr. Aaden noted, strongly indicates the urgent need for robust preventative measures and enhanced cooperative action at both national and international levels to safeguard this fragile population.
Cholera remains a recurrent public health challenge in Somalia, often exacerbated by climate shocks such as droughts and floods, limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, and significant internal displacement. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is actively engaged in efforts to mitigate these risks.
Following the high-level meeting, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to intensifying its initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of cholera outbreaks and managing existing cases. These efforts, the Ministry stated, will be carried out in close collaboration with both international humanitarian partners and local organizations, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive response to protect public health across Somalia.
