Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia is facing a sharp rise in measles cases as aid cuts cripple vaccination efforts, leaving thousands of children at risk. Health data shows suspected cases of measles and other infectious diseases such as diphtheria and cholera have doubled in just three months, soaring from 22,600 in mid-April to over 46,000 by late July. Measles alone has sickened at least 5,436 people this year, with three-quarters of cases in children under five.
The crisis is being driven by the closure of hundreds of health clinics after international funding shortfalls, disrupting routine immunization and outbreak response. Vulnerable communities, particularly displaced families, are bearing the brunt.
In April, Somalia launched a nationwide vaccination campaign, reaching 3.3 million children with measles shots alongside doses for pneumonia, polio, and rotavirus. While the campaign offered hope, health workers warn that without sustained funding and consistent access to vaccines, outbreaks will continue to spiral.
Aid agencies are calling for urgent international support to restore vaccination services and prevent further loss of life in a country already struggling with conflict, hunger, and climate shocks.