Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
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NAIROBI — Somalia, represented by H.E. Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Minister of Health and Human Services, participated in the official launch of the “African Vaccine Strategy” in Nairobi; a major continental initiative led by the Africa CDC to enhance comprehensive health security.
In a high-level address, the Minister affirmed that Somalia has become an active and pivotal player in the continental health security architecture, highlighting the diplomatic and practical steps the country has taken to integrate into the unified African immunization system.
H.E. Dr. Ali Haji revealed that Somalia has achieved a qualitative leap in public health indicators, with its national immunization rate officially reaching 76 percent; an achievement reflecting the success of field strategies adopted by the country to protect its citizens.
His Excellency explained that this operational success is directly supported by the highest levels of leadership, noting the formation of the National Committee for Immunization, a specialized task force chaired by the Prime Minister to strengthen the country’s health resilience.
The Health Minister stated that entrusting the chairmanship of the immunization committee to the Prime Minister’s office demonstrates the absolute political commitment Somalia shows in eradicating deadly diseases and providing the highest levels of protection for its most vulnerable populations.
In a related context, His Excellency addressed “financial sovereignty” in the health sector, announcing that Somalia has officially integrated immunization programs into the national budget to increase domestic capital allocation for essential and sustainable health services.
H.E. Dr. Ali Haji noted that this fiscal reform represents a strategic shift in policy, as Somalia seeks to transition from total reliance on foreign aid to assuming direct financial responsibility for the development and protection of its human capital.
His Excellency praised the pivotal role and sustained cooperation of international partners, specifically “Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,” commending their support which ensures the continued delivery of life-saving medical interventions to children across Somalia.
During the executive session, the Minister also emphasized that through the “African Vaccine Strategy,” Somalia aspires to enhance its local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and contribute to achieving Africa’s self-sufficiency in essential vaccines and medical supplies.
Concluding his participation, His Excellency stressed that Somalia’s health stability is an integral part of the continent’s stability, emphasizing the importance of collective African efforts to face transboundary epidemics and build a safe future for all peoples in the region.
Somalia’s participation in the launch of the African Vaccine Strategy is the culmination of the national recovery journey led by the country in the healthcare sector, where she has successfully transformed challenges into inspiring institutional success stories. By linking the health portfolio to the Prime Ministry and localizing vaccine funding, Somalia reaffirms her firm determination to build a resilient and sustainable health system that preserves human dignity and secures the right of future generations to live in wellness.
