Work

Addressing the 2025 diphtheria surge in Somalia: A call for urgent policy action

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Somalia has reported approximately 1,600 suspected diphtheria cases and 87 deaths in 2025 to date (January–August), almost double the cumulative toll for 2024, with a case-fatality ratio consistent with delayed antitoxin access and late care-seeking (1). This rise coincides with vaccine supply constraints, reduced external financing, and service disruptions in high-mobility districts (1). Clinical control requires early diphtheria antitoxin plus antibiotics (erythromycin or penicillin) as per the WHO 2024 guidance, with ward-level droplet precautions and immediate prophylaxis for close contacts.

Source: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102196

Authors: Abdiwali Ahmed Hirey, Augustus Osborne, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Abdirasak Sharif Ali

Institutions: Banadir Hospital, Plasma University, SIMAD University

Language: English

Topic: Diphtheria, Corynebacterium, and Tetanus

Subfield: Endocrinology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000