Severe cases will be referred to two cholera treatment centres run by international organizations.

“An outbreak of diarrhoea was concentrated in places where last year’s floods and torrential rains occurred, but we are seeing a new outbreak in Mogadishu, with over 850 cases already confirmed,” said Dr Oscar Avogadri, an ICRC medical coordinator in Somalia.

Last year’s floods left hundreds of thousands of people without access to clean water. Those who drank untreated river water were exposed to various waterborne diseases, including cholera, which spread along the Shabelle River before reaching Mogadishu.

Four radio stations in central and southern Somalia have been broadcasting cholera-awareness programmes regularly. “We began the programmes two years ago on one radio station and are now using four stations so as to reach more people,” said the ICRC communication delegate for Somalia. “Radio is the most effective means of getting the message out to Somalis, who are constantly moving because of natural disasters and fighting.”

In support of the National Society, the ICRC distributed 11,000 doses of oral rehydration salts and soap to 23 Somali Red Crescent clinics during the floods. In addition, ICRC-trained Somali Red Crescent volunteers are currently cleaning and chlorinating 17 major public wells in Kismayo.

“To stem the spread of waterborne diseases we facilitate access to safe water during and after floods,” explained Véronique Weber, an ICRC specialist in rehabilitating water resources. “In some areas in Somalia, wells were contaminated by flood water, dirt and mud. They are being cleaned and disinfected now.”

During the flooding that began in November 2006 the ICRC delivered 100,000 litres of drinking water by truck every day for one month to 45,000 displaced people in Belet Weyne, Hiran region. Later, when most people were returning to their homes, it cleaned and disinfected 19 major wells in the town. In Middle and Lower Juba it supplied chlorine tablets, buckets and jerrycans for over 50,000 people. It also cleaned and disinfected 65 additional wells in 56 villages and installed temporary water supply systems to provide safe water for the villagers. In Bardere, Gedo region, the ICRC is currently installing an extra water production unit and providing chlorine for 25,000 people. In Mogadishu, 320 wells identified as potential sources of cholera outbreaks are being chlorinated twice a week by ICRC partner organizations.

The ICRC has been working in Somalia since 1977. It provides more than 500,000 displaced people with aid each year and runs over 300 water, health and agricultural projects. In addition, the ICRC and the Somali Red Crescent help restore and maintain contact between separated family members.

In support of medical facilities in central and southern Somalia, including the two hospitals in Mogadishu and 23 clinics run by the Somali Red Crescent, the ICRC donates surgical equipment and medicines and provides training for doctors and nurses.