16 February 2025, Mogadishu, Somalia – Today Somalia launched a 4-day nationwide polio vaccination campaign targeting 2.5 million children under the age of 5 in the consequential states, Juballand, Hirshabelle, Southwest, Galmudug and Banadir Regional Administration in Somalia. Led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the campaign aims to stop the transmission of circulating variant type 2 poliovirus which has been in circulation in Somalia since 2017.

Somalia is one of the 7 “consequential geographies” identified by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative due to persistent polio outbreaks, fragile health systems and ongoing conflicts that hinder immunization efforts. Other high-risk regions include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tete province in Mozambique, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Yemen and northern Nigeria.

To stop the spread of polio, vaccination teams will go door-to-door, ensuring that every eligible child receives the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2). The campaign will also strengthen routine immunization efforts and enhance community engagement to address vaccine hesitancy.

Last year, through routine immunization efforts and targeted polio vaccination campaigns, Somalia successfully reached 600 000 of the estimated 1.5 million children who have not received a single dose of any vaccine. This campaign builds on that progress while reinforcing the government’s broader commitment to child survival.

Polio is a devastating but entirely preventable disease. Every round of vaccination brings us closer to stopping its transmission. With strong community engagement, government leadership and partner support we can ensure that no child is left behind. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to protect every Somali child from polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases

The Somali government recently launched a national task force on immunization and polio eradication, chaired by the Prime Minister, to accelerate progress towards disease elimination. In addition to polio, the government plans to introduce pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines later this year which could significantly reduce pneumonia and diarrhoea-related deaths, 2 of the leading causes of child mortality in Somalia. 

For more information, please contact:

Khadar Hared, WHO Communication focal point, هذا البريد محمى من المتطفلين. تحتاج إلى تشغيل الجافا سكريبت لمشاهدته.

Mohamed Osman, Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services Head of Communications and Public Engagement, هذا البريد محمى من المتطفلين. تحتاج إلى تشغيل الجافا سكريبت لمشاهدته.

Victor Chinyama, UNICEF Chief of Communication, هذا البريد محمى من المتطفلين. تحتاج إلى تشغيل الجافا سكريبت لمشاهدته.

Somali mothers travel long distances to protect their children from outbreaks

6 February 2025 – Mothers play a critical role in keeping their children safe from diseases outbreaks, especially when it comes to vaccine-preventable diseases. In Somalia, where life can be tough, mothers have always worked hard to protect their families. This is even more challenging for those living in remote areas with little access to health care.

Determined to get their children vaccinated, many mothers travel long distances to reach cities where immunization services are available.

Layla Ali Nur, a 20-year-old mother and pastoralist, is one such example. During the third round of the Big Catch-up initiative on 20 November 2024, she made the 70 km journey on foot, with her son Abdulaziz, from her village of Bulo-Fuur near Qansahdhere to Baidoa, the capital of South West State, to ensure her child received life-saving vaccines.

“In our village, there’s no access to health services including immunization, and I’ve never seen any vaccination service since my son was born. I travelled from Bulo-Fuur to Baidoa to get him vaccinated because it’s the most important thing I can do for his health. Despite the hardships, I’m relieved he received the vaccine he missed,” she says.

When Layla and her son Abdulaziz arrived in Baidoa, they stayed with her extended family members at the Moqor-manyow camp for internally displaced people. The camp is home to thousands of people displaced by droughts and conflicts in South West State. Just two days after their arrival, The Big Catch-up vaccination initiative started. Layla took Abdulaziz to an outreach site at the camp to get him vaccinated for the first time since he was born. It was there that we had the opportunity to meet Layla and hear her story.

“My intention of travelling this long distance was solely to vaccinate my son. Since he had never gotten one, I had no choice but to walk all the way to Baidoa town because I couldn’t afford the transportation costs. My journey between Baidoa and Qansahdhere was tough, and carrying my son on my back for 70 km, made it even harder. The hunger, the thirst and the exhaustion were overwhelming, but in the end, we made it, and I’m grateful to be in Baidoa to protect my child against vaccine-preventable diseases,” Layla says.

The Big Catch-up

In the last few decades, Somali children have suffered recurrent outbreaks of polio, diphtheria, measles, pertussis and neonatal tetanus. These vaccine-preventable diseases persist due to low vaccination rates.

To enhance routine immunization for children, Somalia’s Ministry of Health launched The Big Catch-up on 18 July 2024, as part of a global initiative to boost vaccination among children following declines driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. To implement the initiative, the Somali government is partnering with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and others.

The initiative targets the estimated 1.5 million children below the age of 5 in Somalia who have not completed their vaccination schedules or who have never received vaccines – known as zero-dose children. It also aims to reach adults with COVID-19 and tetanus immunizations.

“The Big Catch-up is more than just a vaccination initiative, it’s an opportunity to protect children in Somalia from vaccine-preventable diseases. With over half a million children reached so far, we are making sure that no child is left behind. Together with the Ministry of Health, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and other partners, we are determined to protect every child, ensuring they grow up healthy and safe,” says Dr Gedi Mohamed, Immunization Coordinator at WHO Somalia.

States in southern and central Somalia have successfully completed the third round of The Big Catch-up, while the northern areas of Somaliland and Puntland are preparing to begin implementation. The turnout has been overwhelming, and through the combined and tireless efforts of the Ministry of Health and its partners, everyone is working tirelessly to ensure that no child is left behind.

For additional information, please contact:

Khadar Hared,

Communication Officer,

WHO Somalia.

Tel: +252619800011

Email: هذا البريد محمى من المتطفلين. تحتاج إلى تشغيل الجافا سكريبت لمشاهدته.

2 February 2025 – At 65, Ahmed Moalim Hirsi reflects on a lifetime of service dedicated to improving the health of people in Somalia.

After 26 years as a polio eradicator with WHO Somalia, Ahmed retired in 2024, after a career characterized by resilience, dedication and impact.

Ahmed’s journey with WHO began in April 1998 in Bosaso, a city on Somalia’s north-east coast, during a time of immense humanitarian challenges for the country brought on by ongoing conflict and recurring droughts.

A graduate of the Mogadishu Nursing School, gaining a diploma in nursing, Ahmed was no stranger to serving in critical roles in health care. From 1982 to 1989, he had served families living in remote locations before joining WHO.

As part of the pioneering WHO team in Puntland, which then comprised the regions of Bari, Nugal and Mudug, Ahmed was initially tasked with polio surveillance in Bari, Somalia’s largest region. He then served as Regional Polio Officer for Bari from 2001 to 2005, and later as the Puntland Zonal Polio Officer for 19 years, leading polio eradication efforts in Puntland, mentoring teams, overcoming security challenges and ensuring that life-saving vaccines reached even the most inaccessible children.

The fight against polio in Somalia

Ahmed’s efforts have been crucial in Somalia’s fight against polio. His leadership, particularly in Puntland, has laid a strong foundation for the country’s polio eradication initiatives, resulting in a significant reduction in cases over the years.

“When I started, Somalia was in turmoil, and security and living conditions were difficult, but the need for our work was immense. We brought hope to communities by fighting polio, one child at a time.” Ahmed recalls of the early days.

Reflecting on his work, Ahmed remembers the first polio case he encountered in 1999: a young girl in Bosaso, a case of acute flaccid paralysis, later confirmed to be caused by wild poliovirus. This marked the beginning of a long, determined battle against polio.

Ahmed observes that one of the greatest challenges in the early days of his work was the widespread misinformation and distrust among communities. Misguided beliefs about the polio vaccine circulated rapidly, with rumours claiming it could harm children or stunt their growth.

“One of the hardest parts was combating misinformation and propaganda against the vaccine. People were skeptical, but through relentless awareness campaigns and community engagement, we gradually changed their perceptions. We partnered with the state government, religious scholars and traditional leaders to build trust, which eventually led to our success,” Ahmed says.

Eradicating wild poliovirus

One of Ahmed’s most significant contributions was helping Somalia achieve official wild poliovirus-free status in 2014.

“We ensured that every town and village had skilled teams capable of delivering vaccines to children and women in need. We involved people who understood the community’s needs, such as district field assistants, making a significant difference in accessibility and trust,” he says.

“Eradicating the wild poliovirus from Somalia wasn’t just a success – it was a massive victory. Since 2014, there hasn’t been a single case of wild poliovirus in the country. Today, a large number of children are vaccinated, and vaccine refusal is almost nonexistent,” Ahmed notes proudly.

He emphasizes that the achievement goes beyond numbers alone, highlighting the strong system built by the government, communities and WHO Somalia as a lasting legacy.

“What we built is more than just polio eradication – it’s a strong health system that connects the people, the government and WHO. That system still stands today. I’m leaving behind not only success but also memories of teamwork and shared purpose with my colleagues, who became like family,” Ahmed concludes.

However, this success came with great personal sacrifice. In December 2010, while on a supervision mission in Bosaso, he was involved in a severe motorcycle accident that left him with injuries to his arm requiring metal implants.

“This work has not been without its risks. I still have metal rods in my arm from that accident. But looking back, the sacrifices were worth it. We achieved so much for the children of Somalia,” he says with a smile.

“His story serves as a powerful inspiration to health workers across Somalia. His unwavering commitment highlights the impact of dedication, even in the face of adversity, in transforming the lives of millions”, says Dr Gedi Mohamed, Immunization Coordinator, WHO Somalia.

Service, care and compassion beyond retirement

Retirement has not diminished Moalim’s commitment to his community. Now residing in Qardho, Puntland, approximately 200 km from his previous workplace in Bosaso, Ahmed continues to serve those in need. Though no longer in his formal position, he remains a key figure in his community, using his skills as a traditional orthopaedic practitioner to assist individuals with bone injuries.

Living with his family of 11 children, Ahmed spends his days providing free orthopaedic care to those unable to afford treatment. People come not only from Qardho but from neighbouring areas as well. His work, done entirely without charge, is a heartfelt gift to the community, motivated by his strong sense of duty and faith.

“Being a traditional bone setter is another skill I have, one that Allah has blessed me with,” says Ahmed. “I use this skill to help the people. I don't take any money for it…I consider this work as charity, and I do it for the sake of Allah.”

Ahmed’s selfless contributions remind us that even after retirement, one can continue to have a profound impact on the lives of others. His service to the Somali people stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and compassion. His legacy endures in every child vaccinated, every community protected and the health system he helped build for future generations.

For additional information, please contact:

Khadar Hared,
Communication Officer,
WHO Somalia.
Tel: +252619800011
Email: هذا البريد محمى من المتطفلين. تحتاج إلى تشغيل الجافا سكريبت لمشاهدته.

26 January 2025 – At the heart of Al-Adalada camp, west of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, 49-year-old Hawa Sharif Ali has found a vital lifeline for her family’s medical needs. She, like the thousands of other internally displaced people (IDPs) living in the camp, depends on the health services available at the Sinkadheer health centre in the Garasbaley district.

The mother of six supports her family by doing laundry in nearby neighbourhoods, including Garasbaley. Life has been a constant struggle for Hawa, made harder by the drought the country experienced in 2022/23 – one of the most severe in its history. Displacement, fighting to make ends meet and the responsibility of caring for her children, all weigh heavily on her.

Despite her struggles, she takes pride in managing her household and ensuring her children’s well-being. Amidst these challenges, she has found hope and support at the health centre.

In December 2024, Hawa took her youngest son, Abdulrahman Mohamed, aged two years and eight months, for his final measles vaccine, provided under the Expanded Programme on Immunization.

“I prioritize my child’s health. Each time I give birth, I bring my child here,” Hawa explained.

“We don’t have the money to go to private hospitals, but this centre is accessible for us. Today, my son received his measles vaccine to complete his immunizations, I have completed my other children’s routine immunizations and I’m happy.”

ECHO-supported health facilities transform lives

At the height of the drought in 2023, donors like the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) were quick to respond with increased funding to save lives through treating severe acute malnutrition and preventing and responding to disease outbreaks, including of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. Through this funding, along with other donors, WHO has been able to not only meet the immediate needs of the people like Hawa and their families, but also strengthen local health clinics so they can continue to meet their communities’ needs into the future.

Beyond routine immunizations, Sinkadheer health centre delivers a range of other health services under the Integrated Health and Nutrition Programme, bringing lifesaving care to families like Hawa’s, who would otherwise struggle to afford medical treatment.

The programme, supported by funding from ECHO, the German Federal Foreign Office and others, continues to transform the lives of Somali mothers and children, ensuring health and hope amidst the challenges of displacement.

Every day, the health centre becomes a humanitarian hub serving around 200 patients, the majority from nearby IDP communities. They seek not only general health services but also critical support for nutrition and the prevention of malnutrition.

For mothers, children and other vulnerable groups, the centre is a key source of support for their families’ health and well-being.

"Most of the people we serve here are mothers and children from the nearby IDP communities," says Mukhtar Derow Luqmaan, supervisor of Sinkadheer health centre.

"[They] depend on the integrated health services we provide. Every day, around 200 patients walk through our doors seeking care, nutrition support and protection from malnutrition. For them, this centre is a lifeline."

Partnerships for health in Somalia

Through collaboration with partners, WHO Somalia continues to support health care centres that provide a wide range of care and address the unique health challenges faced by displaced families. The aim is to bring practical health solutions closer to communities, ensuring no one is left behind.

"Thanks to with unwavering support from humanitarian donors like ECHO, WHO was quickly able to bring lifesaving health care to drought-affected communities in Somalia, giving vulnerable children and families a fighting chance. Now that the acute emergency has passed, we are continuing to strengthen the resilience of the health system to meet the immediate needs of their communities and to better withstand the next emergency. Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger future for every Somali family," says Dr Renee Van de Weerdt, WHO Representative in Somalia.

These humanitarian efforts, made possible by the generous contributions of ECHO and other partners, offer more than just medical care – they bring hope and a renewed sense of possibility. Through this support, WHO and its partners are not only managing an emergency but are nurturing Somalia’s future by giving children the opportunity to grow healthy and strong, and mothers the chance to care for their families with dignity. This collective work in Somalia is a testament to the power of compassion and the difference it can make in the lives of those facing the greatest challenges.

For additional information, please contact:

Khadar Hared- WHO Somalia, Communication Officer- هذا البريد محمى من المتطفلين. تحتاج إلى تشغيل الجافا سكريبت لمشاهدته.