Jowhar, Somalia – The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), in partnership with Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Health and HirShabelle State’s health ministry, has launched an urgent campaign in Jowhar to tackle malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The initiative comes at a critical time as Jowhar and its surrounding areas face heightened risks from malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya, diseases that thrive in environments with stagnant water and limited sanitation. Health officials warn that seasonal rains and flooding in the Shabelle River basin have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, further increasing transmission risks.
As part of the campaign, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) will be carried out across public health facilities and in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where overcrowding and poor living conditions make residents especially vulnerable. The strategy aims to sharply reduce mosquito populations and break the cycle of transmission.
Officials stressed that the program is not only focused on reducing immediate infections but also on strengthening surveillance and preparedness for emerging diseases. Mobile health teams have been deployed to provide rapid diagnosis, treatment, and community education.
Jowhar, the capital of HirShabelle State, has long been identified as a hotspot for malaria due to its wetlands and seasonal flooding. Health experts note that the introduction of dengue and chikungunya poses an additional challenge, stretching already fragile health systems.
WHO Somalia has pledged continued technical and logistical support, including training for health workers and the provision of essential supplies such as rapid diagnostic kits, insecticides, and protective gear for spraying teams.
Community leaders and local volunteers are also being mobilized to raise awareness about preventive practices, including the use of mosquito nets, safe water storage, and the importance of early treatment.
The campaign is part of Somalia’s broader strategy to control vector-borne diseases, protect vulnerable populations in displacement camps, and reduce preventable deaths linked to infectious diseases.