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.
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27 February 2025, Mogadishu, Somalia – On 13 February 2025, vaccination activities were launched in 4 districts of northern Somalia’s Sool region – Las Anod, Taleh, Hudun and Buuhoodle district– as part of The Big Catch-up initiative, an extended effort to lift vaccination levels among children to at least pre-COVID 19 pandemic levels.
Safiya Ahmed Mohamed, who brought her daughter Umayma to a vaccination site in Las-Anod town, is among the mothers who benefited from the initiative. Born during the conflict in Las-Anod and surrounding areas, Umayma was unable to access vaccination services. Now, at the age of 20 months, she has finally received her first vaccine.
“The Big Catch-Up campaign lasted 7 intensive days in one of the areas with the highest need for vaccines. Many children here missed out on routine immunizations, and some had never been vaccinated at all. We identified significant gaps, and our goal is to close them – ensuring that no child is left behind. This was the first Big Catch-Up drive conducted in the Sool region, following 2 successful polio campaigns. We are also working with our partners to restore routine immunization, and are planning a measles and PCV integrated campaign to reach children and communities still in need. We are grateful to the local community and our partners for their commitment to delivering life-saving vaccines to those who need them most,” said WHO Somalia’s Coordinator for Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Dr Gedi Mohamed.
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.
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.