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
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