Somalia is facing a worsening diphtheria outbreak, with health authorities reporting a surge in cases and deaths linked to vaccine shortages and reduced international aid.
The National Institute of Health said more than 1,600 infections and 87 deaths have been recorded in 2025, compared with 838 cases and 56 deaths in all of 2024. The bacterial disease, which causes fever, swollen glands, and breathing difficulties, mainly affects children and is preventable through vaccination.
Despite progress in childhood immunisation over the past decade, hundreds of thousands of Somali children remain unvaccinated. Families have been left devastated, including that of Deka Mohamed Ali, who fled fighting in Ceeldheere three months ago. All four of her children contracted diphtheria. Her 9-year-old daughter recovered, but her 8-year-old son died, while two younger children are still hospitalised in Mogadishu.
Health Minister Ali Haji Adam said the government is struggling to secure vaccines, citing a global shortage and funding cuts following the sharp reduction in US humanitarian aid. US commitments dropped to $149 million this fiscal year, down from $765 million previously.
“The US aid cut terribly affected the health funds it used to provide to Somalia. Many health centres closed. Mobile vaccination teams that took vaccines to remote areas lost funding and now do not work,” Adam said.
Aid groups warn of wider health impacts. Save the Children reported that hundreds of clinics have shut down since donor cuts began, with diphtheria, measles, cholera, whooping cough, and severe respiratory infections all doubling since April.
The US State Department defended its position, saying America remains the world’s most generous donor and urged other nations to step up humanitarian support.
Somalia’s government has also faced criticism for reducing the health sector’s share of the national budget from 8.5% in 2023 to 4.8% in 2024, a move rights groups say reflects misplaced priorities in a country heavily dependent on foreign assistance.
Authorities say a nationwide vaccination campaign is being planned, but no date has been announced.
