Friday April 25, 2025
UNICEF. Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Federal Minister of Health of Somalia, administers the rotavirus vaccine to a young child.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia has officially introduced two critical vaccines—pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) and rotavirus—into its national immunization program to reduce child deaths caused by pneumonia and diarrhea.
The launch coincides with a nationwide measles catch-up campaign targeting millions of children, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to tackle three leading causes of child mortality: measles, pneumonia, and rotavirus-related diarrhea.
The Somali Ministry of Health is leading the initiative with support from international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Together, these preventable illnesses account for an estimated 43 percent of annual child deaths in Somalia.
“This integrated rollout is a landmark moment in our national health strategy,” said Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Somalia’s Federal Minister of Health. “By introducing these two vaccines and launching the measles catch-up campaign, we are taking decisive action to protect our children and secure a healthier future for Somalia’s next generation.”
The vaccines were introduced under the Somali Immunization and Polio Eradication Task Force (SIPE), chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, which was established alongside the Child Survival Forum in 2024.
Pneumococcal infections can lead to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis, and septicemia. Rotavirus, meanwhile, is a major contributor to severe diarrhea and dehydration in young children, which often leads to malnutrition and death. Countries incorporating PCV into national immunization schedules have reported significantly reduced hospitalizations and child mortality rates.
The launch was made possible through Gavi’s adapted support framework for fragile and crisis-affected countries. The initiative offers tailored assistance to nations like Somalia, where health systems remain vulnerable due to ongoing conflict and displacement.
“We commend the Federal Ministry of Health, frontline health and community workers, and other stakeholders involved for the commitment to introduce these two critical vaccines amid multiple competing priorities. 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,” said Patience Musanhu, Senior Country Manager for Somalia at Gavi.
The measles catch-up campaign is designed to close immunity gaps caused by displacement, insecurity, or previous service disruptions. It aims to reach children who missed routine vaccinations, offering immediate protection against one of the world’s most contagious and deadly vaccine-preventable diseases.
“For years, we have witnessed too many young lives lost to diseases we now have the power to prevent. 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,” said Dr. Kamil Mohamed Ali, WHO Representative to Somalia.
“By this action alone, and with the measles campaign, we will be preventing nearly half of the deaths occurring every year among young children in Somalia, and sparing families the grief and sorrow of losing their loved ones. These children will be allowed to grow up, realize their dreams, and contribute to their nation’s progress,” said Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Somalia.
The integrated launch reflects strong collaboration between the Somali government and its global health partners, who are working together to improve access to lifesaving vaccines and essential health services across the country.
