Floods Fuel Disease Outbreaks in Somalia as Humanitarian Funding Falls Short

November 12, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Disease outbreaks are increasing in parts of Somalia following recent floods, with health authorities reporting thousands of cases of acute watery diarrhoea and suspected measles, as humanitarian agencies warn that overstretched health facilities and funding shortages are limiting the response.

In the northern Mudug region, health authorities have confirmed five cholera cases, including one death, in eastern Gaalkacyo, the regional capital, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

More than 5,800 cases of acute watery diarrhoea have been reported across Mudug since the beginning of the year, including more than 1,900 in the past two months. Authorities attribute the outbreak primarily to contaminated water sources and overflowing latrines following the floods.

Further south, in Hirshabelle State, health authorities have reported more than 1,800 suspected measles cases and 102 suspected diphtheria cases since January.

Humanitarian health partners have warned that low immunisation coverage, limited access to medical services and seasonal rainfall could accelerate the spread of diseases.

The World Health Organization and other humanitarian partners are working with local authorities to contain the outbreaks. Response measures include deploying mobile medical teams, distributing emergency supplies and strengthening disease surveillance.

Agencies are also expanding water quality testing and treatment, malaria prevention and hygiene campaigns, while preparing to increase capacity to treat patients.

However, health facilities are struggling with overcrowding and shortages of essential supplies, according to OCHA.

The response is also constrained by limited humanitarian funding. Somalia’s 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan requires 852 million US dollars, but less than 40 percent of that amount has been received. Funding for the health response remains below one-third of the amount required.

OCHA said additional funding was urgently needed to contain the outbreaks and support affected communities.

Source: FSX Business News