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

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7 April 2025, Mogadishu, Somalia – World Health Day, observed annually on 7 April, marks the anniversary of WHO’s founding in 1948. Each year, the day highlights a pressing health issue affecting populations around the globe.

Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) official theme for World Health Day 2025, focuses on improving maternal and newborn health and survival and addressing the urgent need for action to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates worldwide.

This World Health Day, WHO, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is highlighting the need for coordinated action to protect the health and well-being of mothers and newborns in Somalia where the maternal mortality ratio, neonatal mortality rate and under-5 mortality rate are among the highest in the world.

Neonatal mortality accounts for 33% of under-5 mortality in Somalia, more than twice the global average. The 3 leading causes of neonatal mortality are birth asphyxia/trauma, prematurity, and sepsis. Inadequate, inaccessible, and poor-quality health services are associated with high rates of neonatal, child, and maternal mortality. In Somalia, access to skilled healthcare providers during childbirth is limited, with only 32% of births attended by trained professionals. The statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive integrated interventions to address preventable causes of maternal and neonatal deaths across the country. 

Somalia is making substantial strides toward achieving universal health coverage through a national roadmap that aligns with its health policy. With support from the WHO and various partners, the emphasis is on strengthening the health system, particularly at the primary care level, to ensure that essential health services are accessible to all communities.

"The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to advancing universal health coverage through a robust national roadmap, aligned with our health policy. With the invaluable support of our partners, we are focused on strengthening our health systems, particularly at the primary care level, to ensure equitable access to essential health services for all Somalis" says H.E. Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Minister of Health.

“On this World Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every mother and newborn in Somalia has access to quality, lifesaving health care. Maternal and newborn health is not just a health priority, it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of a strong, resilient health system. In a country where maternal and infant mortality rates are among the highest in the world, investing in skilled birth attendance, essential medicines and strengthened health care services is critical to saving lives. Together, we must work towards universal health coverage so that no mother or child is left behind," says WHO Representative in Somalia Dr Renee Van de Weerdt.

“On this special day, I would like to emphasize the urgent need to prioritise maternal and newborn health. Every mother deserves a safe pregnancy, and every newborn has the right to a healthy start in life. These are fundamental human rights, which we can strengthen by investing in stronger health systems and providing quality health care to every mother and child,” said UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “It is equally important that we continue to invest in trained and skilled health professionals who will help to prevent complications and save lives, especially in remote areas. Let us work together to ensure that no mother or child is left behind in the journey towards better health and well-being for all.”

"Ensuring safe pregnancy and childbirth is a fundamental human right. Too many mothers and newborns in Somalia are dying from preventable causes, and this must change. With a critically low midwife-to-population ratio of just 1.5 midwives per 10 000 people—far below the WHO-recommended 14 per 10 000—the country faces a severe shortage of skilled birth attendants. To bridge this gap and provide safe maternal and newborn care, an additional 20 000 midwives are urgently needed. Through our partnership with WHO and UNICEF, UNFPA remains committed to strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare by increasing access to skilled birth attendants, quality emergency obstetric care, and life-saving interventions. Strengthening these efforts will help turn the tide on maternal and neonatal mortality and give every mother and child a healthy start in life.“ Dr Mary Otieno, Representative a.i. UNFPA Somalia.

The adoption of a key resolution, Accelerate progress towards reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal targets 3.1 and 3.2, by the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024 saw Somalia commit to reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality through the roll out of the Essential Package of Health Services and expansion of universal health coverage. Key priorities in addressing urgent health needs include:

expanding essential health care services with the active involvement of all stakeholders;

partnering with private health care providers to improve access to maternal, neonatal and child health services;

enhancing the quality of care by strengthening professional education and sustaining the health workforce; and

scaling up surveillance and response to maternal and perinatal deaths.

WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA Somalia urge global and local partners to unite to achieve these health goals and ensure a healthier future for mothers and newborns. 

World Health Assembly 77th Resolution

World Health Day 2025: Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures 

For additional information, please contact:

WHO: Myriam Haberecht, Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir.

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

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

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6 March 2025 – With support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, WHO has collaborated with the Federal and State Ministries of Health in Somalia to transform Hudur Hospital into a resilient, up-to-date facility powered by a solar energy system, which can provide quality, reliable health services to those in need.

In the new, purpose-built hospital, the local community can receive the services they need. Photo credit: WHO Somalia  

The crumbling old outpatient unit was unsafe for patients and staff. Photo credit: MoH Southwest State, Somalia

A new, expanded outpatient unit has been built and equipped. Photo credit: MoH Southwest State, Somalia

The expanded, well-equipped laboratory has improved diagnostics and patient care. Photo credit: MoH Southwest State, Somalia