The detection of Rotavirus through community-based surveillance by Somali Red Crescent Society volunteers - Mudug Region, Somalia

SRCS and MoH investigate alerts on AWD
The Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) and the Norwegian Red Cross have implemented CBS activities in several regions in Somalia since 2018.

The SRCS Galkayo branch in Mudug region with its more than 100 volunteers trained in Epidemic preparedness, response and CBS. They have detected numerous infectious diseases since the start of the project and collaborated with the Ministry of Health (MoH) on the successful response to prevent large scale outbreaks. 

Following heavy rains during the first week of April 2023, SRCS volunteers based in Kulmiye Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp sent 7 reports on acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) via SMS to the CBS platform Nyss on the 12th of April. The alerts were investigated the next day by MOH accompanied by SRCS and laboratory confirmed to be rotavirus. The detection of rotavirus led to immediate community-level actions including hygiene promotion activities, ORS and the rehabilitation of latrines and water points - all resulting in the quick reduction of cases and improved health within the community. 

Read more about how early detection through CBS led to early actions to stop the outbreak at it's source!