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:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Khadar Hared, Communication focal point, WHO Somalia: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; tel. +252619800011