- Africa
- Somalia
Disease outbreak / epidemic
Acting ahead of disease outbreaks in Puntland and Somaliland
The Somali Red Crescent Society recently activated its simplified early action protocol to prevent outbreaks of two water-borne diseases – acute watery diarrhoea and cholera – from spreading.
Acting ahead of disease outbreaks in Puntland and Somaliland
The Somali Red Crescent Society recently activated its simplified early action protocol (EAP) to prevent outbreaks of two water-borne diseases – acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) and cholera – from spreading. It has since been carrying out a series of actions to contain the diseases, including training in water, sanitation and health (WASH) measures, community engagement activities, the dissemination of health information, and water quality testing and monitoring in at-risk areas.
These will continue for up to three months, targeting the districts of Borama and Burao in Somaliland, and Bosaso and Garowe in Puntland. The actions, which are expected to reach around 24,700 people, are being supported by 83,947 Swiss francs (around 102,300 US dollars/91,800 euros) from the Anticipatory Pillar of the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).
Activating the simplified EAP
The simplified EAP was activated on 11 October after disease-surveillance data showed rising case numbers of AWD and confirmed cholera transmissions; alongside this, there was evidence of contaminated water sources. Forecasts also indicated further rains and flooding, increasing the risk of outbreaks of both diseases spreading.
The Somali Red Crescent Society has since requested additional DREF funds to respond to outbreaks in areas not covered by the simplified EAP, where cases have increased significantly.
Targeted actions to prevent a larger outbreak
The actions being carried out aim to contain the outbreak of both diseases, thereby preventing a larger crisis that affects more people and is harder to control. For example, the Somali Red Crescent Society is promoting health and hygiene measures related to preventing AWD and cholera; these include the importance of good nutrition for children and pregnant/lactating women to make them less susceptible to the diseases. The Somali Red Crescent Society is working with local community leaders and community health committees to ensure these messages are shared widely.
Thanks to Catalina Torres, IFRC.
Photo: Kadan Abdi Jama plays with her son, Abdirahman Saed (one year and eight months old) who is being treated for acute watery diarrhoea/cholera in the in the treatment unit set up by the Somali Red Crescent with support from Canadian and Norwegian Red Cross. © Corrie Butler/IFRC
