30 June 2025, Mogadishu, Somalia – Mothers visited the Hamar Jajab Maternal and Child Health Centre in Banadir region on a hot morning in May, babies cradled in one arm, toddlers clinging to the other, to join the queues of caregivers waiting under the shade of a big tree inside the facility, all hoping to get their children vaccinated.

The Centre is among 8653 fixed sites that co-delivered measles, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and polio vaccines as part of the first integrated campaign of its kind to protect Somali children from measles, pneumonia, and polio.

Translating government willpower into action

The integrated campaign provides a model of how to translate political commitment into action and safeguard children from preventable diseases.

In April 2025, Somalia introduced the PCV into the national immunization programme in an initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and other partners. Simultaneously, there has been high-level commitment to respond to poliovirus as soon as it is detected.  

As part of the integrated campaign, health workers provided measles and PCV vaccines to children across the country, while in Somaliland, Puntland, and parts of Galmudug, oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) was administered to children to combat the spread of variant poliovirus detected in December 2024

These campaigns provided measles vaccines to 3.3 million children aged between 6 months and five years, PCV to 2.6 million children aged between 1 and 5 years, and polio vaccine to 1.6 million children aged under 5 years, improving immunization coverage, reducing the risk of outbreaks and contributing to a healthier future for Somalia’s children.

Mothers’ relief at having access to a suite of vaccines

Mulki Osman Ali, a 26-year-old mother of 2 – a son aged 2 and a daughter just over one-and-a-half years old – was among the mothers present at the health centre in Hamar Jajab. She explained this was the first time her children had the opportunity to receive the PCV and rotavirus vaccines.

“For a long time, I worried that my children were missing out on important vaccines that children in other countries receive,” she said. “When I heard these vaccines were finally available in the country, I didn’t wait. I wanted to be among the first to protect my children from diseases that have claimed the lives of so many others.”

Her words reflect the commitment of Somali parents who are determined to give their children a healthier, safer future.

Outreach campaign  in remote areas

Health workers, including supervisors from WHO Somalia and other partners who helped oversee the campaign, worked tirelessly to deliver the vaccines and ensure the campaign’s success.

In remote and underserved areas, where communities have limited access to health care services, outreach and mobile strategies played a crucial role in reaching and protecting children from life-threatening diseases.

“We administered 3 vaccines to children, to protect children against measles, polio and pneumonia. Measles is currently widespread in the country, and we reached many parents and children who hadn’t been able to reach health facilities. By going into their neighbourhoods, we provided opportunities for more children to be vaccinated. These vaccines help prevent outbreaks of poliovirus and respiratory infections that can develop into pneumonia. Parents believe in the benefits of vaccination. During the integrated vaccination campaign we vaccinated many children, sometimes reaching over 100 individuals, in a day” said Ladan Ahmed, a health worker in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Community trust in local health workers is a cornerstone of successful vaccination efforts, in a society where both parents play crucial roles in ensuring children can access health care. 

“I’ve always made sure my children are vaccinated. I have 3 children — 11, 9 and 3 years old. Today, my youngest just received his vaccines. Vaccines protect children from measles, and many other illnesses. I encourage all mothers to vaccinate their children. The health worker is someone we know and trust. They visit us regularly and are always ready to help,” said Gudon Omar Yusuf.

Though challenges persist, Somalia is making strides in its vaccination efforts thanks to the leadership of the health authorities with the support of Gavi, WHO and UNICEF Somalia and many other partners.

Strengthened trust in health workers, coupled with expanded outreach to remote communities, is closing immunization gaps, leading the shift towards protecting more children and promoting long-term health throughout the country. 

For more information, please contact:

Khadar Hared, Communication Officer, WHO Somalia

Tel: +252619800011

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12 May 2025, Mogadishu, Somalia – As the world marks Immunization Week 2025, a powerful story of innovation and impact is emerging from Somalia’s coastal city of Berbera. Once affected by frequent power outages that jeopardized the delivery of essential health services, Berbera’s hospitals are now running around the clock thanks to newly installed solar battery systems supported by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and WHO Somalia.

The shift to solar energy is doing more than keeping the lights on; it is energizing the city’s health system by enabling uninterrupted laboratory services, safeguarding lifesaving vaccines, and strengthening the fight against measles and polio, two of Somalia’s most persistent public health threats.

“The biggest challenges we used to face were related to electricity,” says Mursal Ahmed Jama, Adminstration of Berbera Regional Hospital. “But now, since solar power is more sustainable, providing 24-hour power with sunlight during the day and batteries working at night, these challenges have been addressed.”

Power disruptions once hindered lab tests, delayed diagnoses, and threatened the integrity of vaccines stored in hospital refrigerators. Today, solar power ensures that machines, refrigerators, and air conditioning systems run continuously, supporting accurate diagnostics and consistent immunization services.

“In Berbera, it was very possible for the power to go off while you were in the middle of work,” explains Hussein Yusuf Hussein, lead medical lab technologist. “But now, the refrigerators are always running, the AC is consistently working, and the machines operate effectively. Solar power has brought significant positive change.”

The upgrades have had a direct impact on routine immunization and the broader surveillance and response system for priority diseases such as measles and polio, key focuses during Immunization Week 2025.

“This solar system is available 24/7, making the diagnosing process easier than before by reducing the waiting time at reception,” adds Mursal Ahmed Jama. “That means children and families can be served more efficiently.”

The solar initiative is part of a wider effort by KSrelief and WHO Somalia to strengthen health systems across the country, from diagnostics to vaccination access.

“The King Salman project was conceived for the whole of Somalia,” says Dr. Ireneaus Sindani, head of WHO’s Hargeisa Liaison Office. “Strengthening the health system is key not only for measles and polio but for diagnosing and treating all patients. Strong laboratories and human capacity are the foundation of universal health coverage.”

“Without this equipment, outbreak response would have been more difficult,” he adds. “We are thankful to KSrelief for giving us the resources to establish this.”

As Immunization Week 2025 shines a spotlight on the importance of vaccines and strong health systems, Berbera’s story is a testament to how sustainable energy can power not just hospitals but also hope, prevention, and progress.

For more information, please contact:

Khadar Hared, Communication Officer, WHO Somalia

Tel: +252619800011

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1 May 2025, Mogadishu, Somalia – This week, the Federal Government of Somalia, in collaboration with WHO Somalia, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gavi and other partners, joined hundreds of countries worldwide to mark World Immunization Week under the theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”.

The commemoration occurred as Somalia is making significant strides in immunization efforts with the recent introduction of two lifesaving vaccines, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the rotavirus vaccine, vital in protecting Somali children against pneumonia and diarrhoea, major causes of child mortality. Somalia is also actively launching a nationwide measles catch-up campaign to curb another leading cause of child death.

This year’s World Immunization Week not only celebrates the immediate impact of vaccines but underscores the forward-looking goals of Immunization Agenda 2030. As Somalia introduces new vaccines and strengthens its immunization coverage, the country is positioning itself to protect future generations from a broader range of preventable diseases, aiming to reach individuals of all ages.

Despite ongoing efforts by the Government of Somalia, supported by WHO and global partners, to strengthen health systems and improve well-being, the country continues to grapple with significant humanitarian challenges. Millions of children and women remain at risk from preventable diseases, underscoring the urgent need for increased and sustainable funding. While domestic investment in health should progressively grow, international partners and donors will continue to play a vital role in the coming years. At the same time, exploring innovative health financing mechanisms can help broaden engagement from both public and private actors, fostering a collective drive towards improved health outcomes for all.

On 28 April 2025, a high-level event in Mogadishu brought together key stakeholders, including Ministry of Health officials, members of professional bodies – the Somali Medical Association and Pediatric Association – and representatives from international organizations including WHO Somalia, UNICEF, Save the Children, SOS and other partners. The gathering highlighted the importance of ensuring universal access to vaccines as a cornerstone of public health and well-being.

H.E. Dr Maryama Mohamed Hussein, State Minister of Health and Human Services of the Federal Government of Somalia, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen vaccination efforts to safeguard the future of Somali children. In her speech, she stated: “The Ministry of Health is ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure children are protected fully from vaccine preventable diseases, especially now that we have the vaccines needed to save lives.”

The event highlighted the importance of immunization in saving lives and building a healthier, more resilient Somalia. Mustafa Jama Awil, Director of the Family Health Department at the Ministry of Health, spoke passionately about the role of vaccines in preventing life-threatening diseases, calling for continued collaboration: “Reaching every child with vaccination is humanly possible if we work as a team. Immunization is the backbone of health and one of the most important interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality.”

Representing WHO Somalia Country Office, Health Policy Advisor for Universal Health Coverage Dr Marina Madeo emphasized the importance of strengthening routine immunization to build a healthier future for Somalia.

"Immunization is not just a health intervention – it is a foundation for equity, for the development of human capital, for social and economic development. Current efforts with campaigns and the Big Catch Up are critical in reaching large numbers of children who have never accessed vaccination. At the same time, the sustainable way to improve immunization coverage is to strengthen routine immunization in health facilities, moving from the current 41% to more than 80% of facilities providing immunization services by the end of 2025.”

Dr Madeo cited the recent introduction of rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccines, the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Child Survival and strong engagement from professional associations as clear signs of progress. “Our collective efforts towards Universal Health will be effective when we protect and nurture Somalia’s greatest wealth, its children,” she said.

The introduction of the pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines marks a significant milestone in protecting children from life-threatening illnesses in Somalia. These vaccines are expected to reduce child mortality and improve overall child health outcomes across the country. 

1"A dose of good news this year," said UNICEF advocacy specialist Dr Ubah Farah. "These 2 vaccines will address 2 of the leading causes of death among children under 5  – pneumonia and diarrhoea. UNICEF is pleased to be part of this effort by bringing into the country 2.5 million doses of the pneumococcal vaccine and 1.2 million doses of the rotavirus vaccine. Together with the Ministry of Health and other partners we will facilitate their rollout to communities and ensure they reach every child."

As Somalia proceeds on its journey towards Immunization Agenda 2030, the country’s commitment to advancing vaccination efforts is unwavering. Speakers at the event encouraged Somali parents to vaccinate their children regularly, ensuring that every child is protected and Somalia’s future is secure. The Ministry of Health and Human Services reiterated its commitment to improving immunization programmes and called on all Somali parents to heed health advice to safeguard the next generation. 

For more information, contact:

Victor Chinyama, UNICEF Chief of Communication:   Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir.

Khadar Hared, Communication focal point, WHO Somalia: Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir. ; tel. +252619800011

23 April 2025, Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Republic of Somalia has introduced 2 lifesaving vaccines into its national immunization programme – pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine – aimed at preventing pneumonia and diarrhoea in children. The country has also launched a nationwide measles catch-up campaign to combat one of the leading killers of children in the country.

This integrated effort marks a major milestone in Somalia’s journey to reduce the prevalence of measles, pneumonia and rotavirus-related diarrhoea, 3 of the most prevalent causes of disease and death in Somali children.

The Somali Ministry of Health and Human Services is leading this effort with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). It comes at a critical time, as Somalia grapples with persistent measles outbreaks and deaths caused by pneumonia and rotavirus-related diarrhoea. Together, measles, pneumonia, and diarrhea account for an estimated 43% of child deaths in the country.

“The introduction of these 2 vaccines and the launch of the measles catch-up campaign marks a significant step forward in our national effort to reduce child deaths and build a healthier future for Somalia’s next generation,” said Somalia’s Federal Minister of Health Dr Ali Haji Adam. “The government is committed to investing in the health of our children and strengthening our immunization services in partnership with global and regional health partners.”

Pneumococcal infections can cause serious conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia. Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration, contributing significantly to malnutrition and mortality in children. Countries that have introduced PCV into their routine immunization programmes have reported marked declines in hospitalizations and deaths among children.

This milestone is made possible through Gavi’s revised support framework for fragile, emergency-affected and displaced populations, which offers flexible and targeted assistance to countries like Somalia where immunization systems have been weakened by recurring crises.

“We commend the Federal Ministry of Health, frontline health and community workers and other stakeholders involved for their commitment to introduce these 2 critical vaccines amid multiple competing priorities,” says Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Somalia Patience Musanhu. “Given the burden of these diseases in Somalia, this is an investment well worth making, one that will save lives and have a transformative impact on health and development, families, communities and the health system. Gavi remains committed to working with the government and partners to support the vision of a healthier, more prosperous future for Somalia.” 

The measles catch-up campaign is designed to rapidly close immunity gaps among children who have missed routine vaccinations due to insecurity, displacement and service disruptions. The campaign aims to reach millions of children across the country, protecting them from one of the most contagious and deadly vaccine-preventable diseases.

“This is more than just a vaccine launch, it is a promise to Somalia’s children that their lives matter, their health matters,” said WHO Representative a.i in Somalia Dr Kamil Mohamed Ali. “For years, we have witnessed too many young lives lost to diseases. With these new vaccines and the measles catch-up campaign we are turning the tide and reaffirming our commitment to equity, access and a healthier future for all.”

“The introduction of these 2 vaccines is a big win for children in Somalia,” said UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “By this action, and with the measles campaign, we will be preventing nearly half of the deaths that occur every year among young children in Somalia, sparing families from the grief and sorrow of losing their loved ones. These children will be given an opportunity to grow up, realize their dreams and contribute to their nation’s progress.”    

The integrated launch reflects the strong collaboration between the Somali Government and its health partners in expanding equitable access to essential health services. Together, they are working to protect every child in Somalia from preventable diseases and lay the foundation for a more resilient and healthier future. 

Media contacts

Collins Weru Mwai, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance: Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir.

Victor Chinyama, UNICEF Chief of Communication:  Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir.

Khadar Hared, WHO Communication focal point:  Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir.

Mohamed Osman, Ministry of Health and Human Services Head of Communications:  Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir.