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MOGADISHU — As part of its strategic efforts to strengthen the public health system and protect future generations from infectious diseases, the Somali government announced significant progress in national immunization coverage. This reflects the success of national plans in expanding essential healthcare services and ensuring their access to various community groups across the country.
H.E. Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Somali Minister of Health and Human Services—according to a ministry statement issued this Tuesday—revealed that national immunization coverage has reached 76%. He noted that this achievement resulted from the accelerated expansion of vaccination centers and facilitating citizen access to these vital services.
The Minister’s announcement came during his participation in the launch of “Africa’s Immunization Strategy” in Nairobi, Kenya. He emphasized that this progress embodies the government’s firm commitment to providing health protection for children and vulnerable groups, and reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Minister explained that the establishment of the “National Immunization and Polio Eradication Committee,” chaired by the Prime Minister, signifies the highest level of political support for these vital programs. This high-level commitment has contributed to accelerating progress and overcoming logistical and field obstacles.
Official Ministry news reports indicated that the government has taken strategic steps to ensure the sustainability of these programs by increasing domestic funding for the health sector and integrating immunization projects directly into the national budget, aiming to gradually reduce reliance on external support.
These national figures align with the average coverage across the African continent for key vaccines (such as DTP3), which the World Health Organization estimates at approximately 76%. Somalia aims to further increase this rate to meet the global target of 90%.
The Minister praised the pivotal role of international partners, particularly “Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,” valuing the continuous technical and logistical support that has strengthened the capacities of health workers and developed cold chain systems to ensure vaccine quality and safety in various regions.
The Ministry’s future vision centers on enhancing community awareness regarding the importance of vaccines and developing digital systems to track immunization rates. This ensures no child is left behind and contributes to building a healthy society equipped with the necessary medical foundations for national transformation.
The Ministry affirmed that reaching this percentage serves as a powerful incentive to continue efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. It stressed that investing in immunization is the safest investment for the country’s future, as it reduces future treatment burdens and enhances human capital efficiency.
The rise of Somalia’s immunization indicators to these advanced levels represents a “protective shield” for the journey of national renaissance; for the building of a nation begins with the health of its children. This harmony between political will and international support paves the way for a future where epidemics vanish and the sun of wellness shines in every Somali home, ensuring that health remains the sustainable wealth and the fundamental pillar for stability and prosperity.
