We learned that the cholera outbreak affecting my children and many in the community was due to the water we were using. We were provided with water jerrycans, water purification tablets (chlorine), and soap for hygiene.
Amira*, a 37-year-old mother of ten, was born in Mogadishu and now lives in a camp for Internally Displaced People (IDP) in Bossaso. She is among many families affected by cholera outbreak caused by poor water sanitation in the camp. As a single mother raising orphaned children, she faced an immense challenge when three of her sons, aged five, three, and two, fell ill with acute watery diarrhea.
At first, Amira* did not realize the seriousness of the illness. The first child showed symptoms of severe diarrhea and vomiting at midnight, and while seeking medication at a nearby pharmacy, she learned from a neighbor about an emergency response team supported by Save the Children (SCI) stationed nearby. As she sought help, she received another distressing call from home—two more of her children had started vomiting. She had to leave the child she had already taken to the health center and rush back for the others.
Fortunately, when she brought them to the clinic, they received free treatment. The doctors administered Intravenous (IV) fluids, medication, and Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), saving the children from severe dehydration. Thanks to this emergency intervention, supported by Save the Children and funded by the French Embassy, her children recovered. Many other children were also brought to the health center and received similar care.
Recognizing that the outbreak stemmed from poor sanitation, Save the Children collaborated with the Bossaso Water Agency to provide clean drinking water and hygiene awareness training to affected families. Amira* and others received jerrycans for safe water storage, chlorine tablets for purification, and soap for hygiene. These efforts significantly reduced the spread of disease in the camp. She and other caregivers were trained on proper handwashing, safe water treatment, and the importance of allowing treated water to sit for one hour before use.
Additionally, public water sources were tested and treated with chlorine, and follow-up visits were conducted monthly to ensure continued water safety. In response to community needs, the construction of latrines has begun, further addressing sanitation concerns.
According to Abdirizak, a representative from the Bosaso Water Agency, the cholera outbreak was traced to contaminated water sources in the IDP camps and surrounding areas. He explained that laboratory tests confirmed the presence of bacteria in the water, prompting immediate action.
Although health conditions have improved, families in the camp continue to face economic hardships. Many, including Amira*, who once relied on daily labour, are struggling financially.
Amira* remains deeply grateful for the support provided by Save the Children and the French Embassy, whose intervention not only saved lives but also improved water and sanitation conditions in the camp, helping to prevent future outbreaks.
Amira*s Story
‘‘My name is Amira*. I live in an IDP camp in Bossaso. I have ten children—five girls and five boys—whom I am raising on my own after their father passed away.
As a mother of ten raising them alone, I work as a casual laborer, but our income has drastically decreased since my husband's death. Still, I try my best to sustain our lives.
Three of my children—boys aged five, three, and two—fell sick with cholera. At first, I didn’t realize how serious it was, assuming it was just a regular childhood illness. Then, one of them suddenly started vomiting and having diarrhoea at midnight. Afraid of the situation worsening, I rushed him to the nearest pharmacy.
On my way to the pharmacy for medicine, a woman told me that an emergency response team was stationed nearby, helping children like mine.
When I arrived and my son was being checked, I received a call from home informing me that two more of my children were also vomiting.
I had to leave the child in the care of the health workers at the center and rush back to get the others. By the grace of God, when I took them to the clinic, I was not charged any money. The doctors treated them with great care, and my children recovered.
My children were severely dehydrated and in critical condition. However, with emergency intervention, they recovered, thanks to God. They were given treatments including intravenous fluids, tablets, and Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). Many other children were also brought to the health center and received the same treatment.
Later, we learned that the cholera outbreak affecting my children and many in the community was due to the water we were using. We were provided with water jerrycans, water purification tablets (chlorine), and soap for hygiene. As a result, illness and poor sanitation in the camp were significantly reduced.
We were taught how to maintain hygiene in a camp setting, clean our children’s hands, and add chlorine tablets to our drinking water, allowing it to sit for thirty minutes before use. We followed these instructions strictly. They also added chlorine to public water sources and continue to visit us every month.
Our health has now significantly improved, but we still face other challenges. We have also expressed the need for latrines in the camp, and thankfully, the digging of latrines has already begun.
This health and access to clean water support have helped us tremendously, and we sincerely appreciate Save the Children and the French Embassy for funding this project.’’
Abdirizak, representative from the Bosaso Water Agency
"The main challenges were that the disease originated from water sources in the IDP camps and nearby areas. The issue arose due to poor sanitation and the contamination of water sources.
With the support and guidance of Save the Children, at first, we launched awareness campaigns to educate the community about the importance of water hygiene.
Many people were unaware that the water they relied on daily could be a source of illness. We emphasized proper storage, safe handling, and the dangers of consuming untreated water.
Following these awareness efforts, we conducted laboratory tests on the water sources used by the community. The results confirmed the presence of harmful bacteria, which explained the rising cases of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Once we identified the contamination, we immediately took action. We treated the water by adding chlorine, a crucial step in eliminating the bacteria. However, we also advised the community to wait at least one hour before using the treated water to ensure its safety. This comprehensive approach was essential in controlling and ultimately tackling the outbreak."
Background / Project information
This project, funded by the French Embassy, focuses on improving access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene services, and clinical case management for communities affected by Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD). Given the high risk posed by inadequate WASH infrastructure, the initiative targets 21,035 individuals in Gardo and Bossaso, ensuring they receive essential support to prevent and manage waterborne diseases.
Additionally, the project prioritizes equity and inclusion by ensuring that approximately 15% of those served are people with disabilities, promoting their access to health and WASH services.
