The Menace of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) on Children in Baidoa, Southwest State of Somalia: A Qualitative Analysis of Secondary Data

Background: Contemporary research on immunization has suggested a redefinition or at least acknowledgement of the impact of pertussis beyond the traditional belief of defining it as an isolated infant and child disease. A section of scholars are seeking a more expansive understanding and relevant redefinition that reflects its prevalence among adolescents and adults. A variety of case-oriented, lab-based definitions were produced to respond to national, regional or global descriptions of the disease within a unified goal to eradicate or substantially minimize its recurrence and therefore contain its impact on the victims. Objective: This study sought to explore the prevalence of pertussis in Baidoa, a small city which is the provisional capital of the administration of the Southwest State of Somalia. Method: The study used desk research by examining secondary sources that discussed pertussis in general as well as others that provide insights specific only to the context of Baidoa city. Results: Although recent research has indicated tremendous success in the prevention and containment of immunizable diseases through robust vaccination schemes, the menace of the pertussis disease is present among the residents of Baidoa, both hosts and internally displaced persons (IDPs), but without much detail on the estimates of the victims. Conclusion: Insufficient awareness and lack of emphasis to single out the pertussis threat and its impact on children, are very likely among the possible contributors to the prevalence of the disease in the city. It is in view of the significance to eradicate or at least mitigate its effect on children that a more thorough focus on awareness is needed to increase the rate of immunization as an important preventive measure against