In the heart of Mogadishu, a hospital ward has become a grim reminder of the resurgent threat posed by diphtheria. The ward, filled with gasping children, is a stark visual of the disease’s return, which has been exacerbated by several interlinked factors. These include the ongoing conflict in the region, which has disrupted healthcare systems and made it difficult to provide vaccinations, climate change, which has led to environmental conditions conducive to the spread of the disease, and the growing mistrust in vaccines among the local population. These challenges have created a perfect storm, enabling the disease to make a comeback with devastating consequences for the children affected. Dr. Mohamud Omar, a pediatrician working at Demartino Public Hospital, has been at the forefront of efforts to treat these children. His work highlights the critical need for improved healthcare infrastructure and the importance of rebuilding trust in vaccination programs. The situation in Somalia serves as a warning of the broader implications of neglecting public health initiatives in the face of global challenges such as climate change and conflict.