Healing in Crisis

In the heart of southern Somalia, where conflict, natural disasters, and displacement have left a trail of devastation, Medair's mission to bring hope and healing continues. In the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by recent flooding during the last rainy season, Medair established a Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) to provide critical care to those most in need. The CTU provided life-saving treatment to vulnerable communities, particularly internally displaced people (IDPs) living in informal settlements.

The urgent need for cholera treatment

The people of Somalia face unrelenting challenges, with ongoing conflict, severe drought and devastating floods displacing thousands. These floods have left many without access to clean water and sanitation, leading to a surge in waterborne diseases such as cholera. The situation was especially dire in informal IDP settlements, where overcrowding and poor living conditions made residents particularly vulnerable.

Cholera is a fast-acting, potentially fatal disease caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water. The disease, characterised by severe diarrhoea and vomiting, can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal if left untreated. In areas like southern Somalia, where access to health care is limited and the risk of infection is high, the need for effective cholera treatment is urgent.

A lifeline for vulnerable communities

Medair's response to the cholera outbreak included the establishment of a Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) in Southern Somalia. Located near informal IDP settlements, this unit became a lifeline for those affected by cholera, providing free and immediate access to critical care. The CTU was staffed by a dedicated team of health workers who worked tirelessly to save lives.

It was equipped with the essential supplies needed to treat cholera, including oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids and antibiotics. On arrival, patients underwent a rapid assessment to determine the severity of their condition. Those with mild symptoms received oral rehydration therapy, while those with severe dehydration were treated with intravenous fluids and closely monitored.

Bringing hope through healing

Medair's CTU became a sanctuary of hope and healing for many in southern Somalia. For the thousands of displaced people living in makeshift shelters, the CTU offered not only medical care but also the promise of survival and recovery. The presence of the CTU prevented many deaths in the region and ensured that even the most vulnerable had access to life-saving treatment.

In addition to providing immediate medical care, the CTU played a crucial role in educating communities about cholera prevention. Medair's team worked closely with residents to promote basic hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing and the safe use of latrines, which were critical to preventing the spread of the disease. This holistic approach ensured that the impact of the CTU extended far beyond its fence, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.

The importance of a cholera treatment unit for IDPs in Somalia

IDPs living in informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to their living conditions. These settlements often lack clean water, sanitation and proper waste management, creating a perfect storm for the spread of waterborne diseases. The CTU proved essential, not only in treating those who fell ill but also in breaking the cycle of infection through education and prevention.

By providing free cholera treatment, Medair restored the dignity of those who had lost so much. The CTU ensured that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, had access to the cholera care they needed to survive and recover. This compassionate care was a tangible expression of Medair's commitment to serving the most vulnerable with integrity and love.

Life-saving care

In a region where despair often overshadows daily life, the CTU became a symbol of hope. Each life saved served as a powerful reminder that hope can prevail even in the darkest of times.  

Despite the difficult circumstances, the CTU created moments of joy. The recovery of a child, the relief of a mother knowing her child was safe, and the gratitude of the community. By providing free, quality cholera treatment, the CTU restored dignity to those who had lost so much, giving them not only medical care but a sense of self-worth and respect.

Medair's work in Southern Somalia was made possible by the generous support of donors who believed in the power of hope and healing. Each contribution had a direct impact on the lives of those in need. Through this support, Medair was able to provide life-saving cholera treatment, educate communities on disease prevention, and reach out to those deeply affected by the crisis. The CTU was not only a place of healing, but also a symbol of the hope and recovery that these donations made possible. In a region devastated by crisis, the CTU was a testament to the power of humanitarian action based on compassion and integrity. Thank you for standing with Medair and the people of southern Somalia. Your support brought light to the darkest places, restored lives, and offered hope where it was needed most.

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  

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