Diphtheria Makes a Deadly Comeback in Somalia’s Overwhelmed Hospitals

Somalia is facing a deadly resurgence of diphtheria, primarily affecting children. Hospitals in Mogadishu are overwhelmed as hundreds of young patients arrive with severe throat infections and breathing difficulties. The outbreak is driven by war, climate change, vaccine mistrust, and a weakened health system.

Source The New York Times

The once-eradicated disease is spreading across countries with low immunization rates — including Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Chad. Many children die before receiving treatment as health facilities remain under-resourced and surveillance is weak.

Doctors report that admissions to diphtheria wards in Somalia have doubled since last year. While global agencies are sending vaccines and aid, chronic underfunding and political instability continue to hinder the country’s response, putting thousands more children at risk.