Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – The European Union (EU) has announced approximately $238,000 (€220,000) in emergency funding to support Somalia’s response to the ongoing diphtheria outbreak, with a strong focus on Puntland. The assistance will run for six months and will be implemented by the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS).
According to the EU Delegation in Somalia, the funding will help strengthen health services, enhance disease surveillance, and expand community engagement in affected areas. More than 508,000 people in Puntland are expected to benefit from the intervention.
In a post on X, the EU stated: “Support to @SRCS will strengthen health services, boost surveillance & community engagement, reaching 508,000+ vulnerable people in Puntland.”
The EU’s announcement comes as OCHA, citing DG ECHO, WHO, and Somalia’s Ministry of Health, reported on 20 August that Somalia has registered 1,672 suspected cases of diphtheria and 87 related deaths in 2025. This reflects a case fatality rate of 5.4%.
Children are the most affected group, accounting for 79% of all cases, while 87% of patients had no history of vaccination. The 2025 caseload is four times higher than during the same period in 2024.
While the number of new weekly cases has decreased slightly — from 140 to 121 — the number of deaths increased from 6 to 7 over the same period, according to OCHA.
OCHA data shows the highest tolls were recorded in Banadir (660 cases, 49 deaths) and Puntland (704 cases, 28 deaths). Galmudug reported 101 cases and 6 deaths, while South West State registered 166 cases and 3 deaths. Additional cases were also reported in Hirshabelle and Jubaland.
