Title: Exploring the Health Effects of Overcrowding and Infectious Disease Transmission in Hamar-Wayne District, Somalia
Authors: Dahir Barre Mohamed
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Pages: 104-109
Publication Date: 2026/08/28
Abstract:
This paper explores the health effects of overcrowding and infectious diseases in Hamar-Wayne District, Mogadishu, Somalia. In Somalia, police instability, displacement, and high population density in informal settlements have occurred as a result of decades of political instability, displacement, and rapid urbanization. A qualitative descriptive design was followed, which is guided by the Social Determinants of Health framework and the disease transmission model. The sample size comprised 30 participants (household heads, caregivers, community elders, youth representatives and local health workers) to obtain lived experiences and perceptions of the health outcomes in congested households. The results showed that due to overcrowding, the rate of spreading infectious diseases due to high human contact, inadequate ventilation, poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water is greatly amplified. The most reported health problems were respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, waterborne diseases, and skin infections. Psychological stress and anxiety, as well as lowered quality of life, were also caused by overcrowding, albeit indirectly undermining immunity. The research concludes that overcrowding is one of the key factors in the spread of infectious diseases and health outcomes in Hamar-weyne district. The recommendations include the improvement of housing conditions, the development of water infrastructure and sanitation, the empowerment of health provision, and the enhancement of community hygiene education to minimize the disease burden.