Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Somalia + 1 more

IOM Somalia COVID-19 Preparedness and Response - Mission Update #23 (13 - 26 September 2020)

Attachments

3,588 CONFIRMED CASES As of 28 September

99 FATALITIES As of 28 September

2.6 million DISPLACED PERSONS

The humanitarian crisis in Somalia, characterized by both natural and man-made factors, is one of the most complex and longstanding emergencies in the world.

Somalia is currently facing a desert locust crisis, affecting mainly northern and central regions with potential further expansion to southern Somalia, and categorized at the highest threat level, “dangerous”. Moreover, since late June, the Hagaa flood season has brought riverine and flash floods that have affected over 250,000 people, of whom about 183,000 were displaced in Hirshabelle, South West and Jubaland states, in addition to Sanaag and Banadir regions. With 2.6 million individuals still displaced in Somalia, COVID-19 continues to pose an additional challenge in already fragile context where it may further hinder access to basic services, leaving the population highly vulnerable.

As a key source, transit and, to some extent, destination country for migration, Somalia continues to have an influx of migrants from neighboring countries, especially from Ethiopia. Hundreds of migrants are stranded in Bossaso, Puntland as a result of border and sea-crossing closures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. IOM data shows that migration along the Eastern route is still taking place despite the new border restrictions in the region, with a significant increase of new incoming and outgoing movements in the last month. Recognizing that mobility is a determinant of health and risk exposure, there is a need to urgently adopt innovative, systematic, multisectoral and inclusive responses to mitigate, prepare for and respond to COVID-19 amongst the migrant population.

As of 28 September, Somalia has 3,588 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, 99 reported fatalities and 2,946 recovered cases.