87 deaths, over 1,600 cases: Somalia sees diphtheria surge as Trump aid cuts hamper vaccination

87 deaths, over 1,600 cases: Somalia sees diphtheria surge as Trump aid cuts hamper vaccination

Somalia is battling a sharp rise in diphtheria cases and deaths, with over 1,600 infections and 87 fatalities recorded this year. Health officials blame vaccine shortages and steep US aid cuts for crippling vaccination efforts, leaving thousands of children at risk.

A child suffering from diphtheria rests inside a ward at De Martino Public Hospital, following a diphtheria outbreak, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Reuters