Mogadishu, SONNA — The Federal Government of Somalia has launched a nationwide campaign to mark World Immunization Week, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health and protecting children from preventable diseases.
The event, officially inaugurated in Mogadishu by the Director General of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Yusuf Hassan Isaaq, highlights the critical role of vaccination in saving lives, particularly among children under the age of five.
World Immunization Week is an annual global initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of vaccines and encouraging communities to utilize immunization services. This year’s theme, “Every generation, vaccination is a reliable protection,” underscores the need for comprehensive vaccination coverage across all age groups to ensure long-term health and resilience.
The ceremony brought together senior officials from the Ministry, directors of various departments, the leadership of Banadir Hospital, and representatives from key international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UNICEF. Medical professionals, health experts, and members of the Somali healthcare community also attended the event.
During the program, officials presented detailed reports outlining significant progress in immunization services across the country. These achievements include a notable increase in the number of vaccinated children and a substantial decline in the prevalence of dangerous infectious diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria—diseases that once posed major public health challenges but are now largely under control.
Speakers emphasized the importance of sustained public awareness, particularly among parents, to ensure that children receive timely vaccinations. They noted that immunization remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient methods of preventing life-threatening diseases, disability, and death.
Officials also confirmed that vaccination services are provided free of charge at health facilities nationwide, ensuring accessibility for all communities.
Addressing the gathering, the Director General reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding immunization coverage, especially in remote and underserved areas. He called for intensified efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery systems and urged Somali parents—particularly mothers—to regularly take their children to health centers for essential vaccinations.
He concluded by stressing that vaccination is a reliable protection that not only saves lives but also contributes to building a healthier society and a brighter future for Somalia.
