June 2025 — In a powerful demonstration of national commitment and community trust, Somalia has launched a nationwide integrated immunization campaign from May 24 to 28, coinciding with World Immunization Week. The campaign introduces two lifesaving vaccines—the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and the rotavirus vaccine—alongside ongoing measles and polio vaccination efforts. It aims to reach more than 3.1 million children under the age of five across the country. Led by the Federal Government of Somalia, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and other partners, the campaign reflects a united front to protect Somali children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

At the heart of this campaign are mothers like Fadumo Ismail, a mother of nine, who brought her two youngest sons, Isman and Omar, to Gargar Health Centre in Garowe. “I believe vaccines protect my children,” she said. “That is why I make sure none of them miss even a single dose." Fadumo’s story reflects deep-rooted trust in the health system. She delivered all her children at Gargar Health Centre and has consistently returned for antenatal care and immunization services. Her commitment mirrors the growing awareness among Somali mothers about the importance of timely vaccinations.

The campaign is powered by dedicated health workers like Maryan Mohamed and Mohamed Abdirishid, who have served the Garowe community for over 15 years. “Families trust us because they know we care,” said Maryan.“They come back because they know we’re here for them and their children.”

Another mother, Farxiyo Ali, also visited the health center with her newborn son, Salman Sharif, to ensure he received the oral polio vaccine. A mother of five, Farxiyo has long relied on the center for a range of services, including nutrition support that helped one of her children recover from malnutrition. “Getting my child vaccinated gives me peace of mind,” she shared.

This campaign also marks the first nationwide rollout of PCV and rotavirus vaccines, introduced in April 2025, to combat pneumonia and diarrhoea—two of the leading causes of child mortality in Somalia. Together, measles, pneumonia, and diarrhoea account for an estimated 43% of child deaths in the country.

At a high-level event in Mogadishu on April 28, government officials, health professionals, and international partners gathered to reaffirm their commitment to universal immunization. H.E. Dr. Maryama Mohamed Hussein, State Minister of Health and Human Services, emphasized: “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.” Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Federal Minister of Health, added: “The introduction of these 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.”

With each vaccine administered, Somalia moves closer to a healthier, more resilient future—one child, one dose at a time.