Oxfam’s latest aid shipment to East Africa left for the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday: the first in a series of three flights transporting much-needed water supplies and hygiene materials for more than 120,000 people.

Following reports from our partner organization Hijra that cholera is on the rise in the city’s crowded refugee camps, we’re scaling up our relief efforts in an attempt to contain the outbreak. The 47-ton shipment dispatched today contained water pipes and tanks which will be used to set up water points across Mogadishu, 12,000 jerry cans so people can carry and store water, and literally tons of soap. As part of our cholera prevention program, we are also distributing oral hydration salts, and advising refugees on how to avoid contracting the disease.

Adan Kabelo, Associate Country Director for Oxfam in Somalia, said: “Clean water and soap are vital to help prevent a public health crisis, as people weakened by hunger are particularly at risk of disease. With the recent cholera outbreak in the Mogadishu, this assistance will save lives.”