Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Somalia Battles Diphtheria Surge Amid Vaccine Shortages and Aid Cuts
Somalia is facing a surge in diphtheria cases, a disease mainly affecting children, with over 1,600 infections and 87 deaths this year.
This is happening because there aren't enough vaccines, and the U.S. cut back on aid, making it harder to distribute vaccines.
Many health clinics have closed, and vaccination programs have been scaled back.
One family experienced the disease after fleeing fighting; a child died, and others are hospitalized.
The government says it's trying to get more vaccines but is limited by global shortages and aid cuts.
Doctors and human rights groups criticize the government's low health spending.
Diphtheria cases and deaths are sharply increasing in Somalia this year.
Over 1,600 cases and 87 deaths have been recorded, a rise from 838 cases and 56 deaths in 2024.
Vaccine shortages and U.S. aid cuts are hindering the response to the outbreak.
U.S. aid reductions have led to the closure of health centers and reduced vaccination efforts.
The Somali government is struggling to procure vaccines and increase health funding.
- Who
- Somali health officials and the U.S. government.
- What
- Diphtheria cases and deaths are increasing in Somalia.
- When
- This year.
- Where
- Somalia
- Why
- Vaccine shortages and U.S. aid cuts have hampered efforts to control the outbreak.
- Total Cases
- Over 1,600
- Deaths
- 87
- 2024 Cases
- 838
- 2024 Deaths
- 56
- U.S. Aid Cuts
- Affected health funds and vaccination efforts
- Somalia Health Budget (2024)
- 4.8%
- U.S. Aid to Somalia (FY2024)
- $149 million
- U.S. Aid to Somalia (Previous Year)
- $765 million
