23 April, 2017 – WHO and the Ministry of Health of Somalia has launched the second round of the oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign for drought-affected populations in at-risk communities in Banadir, Beledweyne and Lower Jubba.
The campaign, which started on 18 April, provides a second dose of the oral cholera vaccine for over 450 000 adults and children over the age of 1 year, who received the first dose during the previous round of the campaign held from 15 to 22 March, 2017. The vaccines are once again provided through a door-to-door strategy, which has proven extremely effective in administration and acceptance of the vaccine.
The Ministry of Health has been pleased with the results of the first round of the vaccination campaign, and based on lessons learned, has increased the number of days of the campaign from 5 to 7 days in order to reach the target population in all areas.
The campaign targets IDP camps and densely-populated communities in 7 high-risk districts, namely Hodan and Dharkenley in Banadir; Xaawo Taako and Koshin in Hiiran; and Calanley, Farjano and Fanole in Lower Juba.
Somalia’s first ever OCV campaign is also the largest cholera vaccination campaign conducted in Africa to date. There has been overwhelming demand for the cholera vaccine since its introduction in the country, which may be attributed to strong social mobilization and community engagement in high-risk areas.
The vaccine, which is delivered through 2 doses, offers protection for up to 5 years. It works by stimulating the body's immune response to the cholera-causing bacteria – vibrio cholerae – without causing the disease. The cholera vaccine is not a standalone preventative measure against the disease; traditional cholera control measures such as improving access to clean water, sanitation and proper hygiene practises must be maintained in order to prevent contracting cholera.
Insufficient rains and poor harvests for two consecutive years have left more than 1.5 million people in Somalia experiencing severe drought. This has led to food insecurity, severe malnutrition, mass displacement, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation, creating the ideal conditions for increased cases of cholera, measles and other opportunistic infections.
Since the beginning of 2017, over 28 408 cases of cholera and over 558 deaths have been reported. These numbers are expected to increase due to the floods that may come along when the rainy season (Gu) begins.