Disease control
Cholera is endemic in Somalia. Outbreaks occur annually from December to June (corresponding to the dry season) and are linked to the contamination of water sources. Outbreaks tend to concentrate in urban areas, in the densely populated camps for internally displaced persons (IDP), and are further exacerbated by the combination of malnutrition and prevalent communicable diseases. UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local authorities respond by collaborating in regional cholera task forces. Cholera supplies and chlorine tablets to purify water are made available by UNICEF to all health centres treating cholera patients. UNICEF distributes chlorine, sachets of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) used to combat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, cholera kits and other medical supplies, while WHO supplies ringer lactate (a solution that is given intravenously to treat severely dehydratated patients). Cholera task forces respond to several outbreaks between January and June, primarily in Mogadishu, Bossaso and Kismayo. Since the 1997-98 floods there was an increase in malaria cases accompanied by chloroquine resistance. To combat the disease, UNICEF distributes insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and malaria kits to maternal child health centres (MCHs) during the rainy season. The 2006/2007 flooding required a concerted effort to control malaria spread through distribution of nets. Thousands of insecticide-treated mosquito nets have been distributed to communities to date. National and international NGOs work with UNICEF to make ITNs available
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