On Monday, UN agencies in Somalia announced plans to immunize 400,000 in the country against two deadly diseases; namely, polio and measles.
World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF in Somalia kicked off the three-day exercise on August 31.
The two agencies stated that the exercise would involve 1,200 health workers.
Additionally, the exercise is scheduled to kick off at a time when the country is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mamunur Malik, a representative of the WHO in Somalia, urged all adults in the country to help you Somali children to lead healthy lives.
“I kindly urge parents and caregivers around Banadir region to visit vaccination centers and nearby healthcare facilities with their children, especially those under five years,” he said.
Penelope Campbell, UNICEF Somalia’s Chief of Health, said, “All immunization drives have to keep pace with the COVID-19 drive in the country.”
The United Nations published a report indicating that Banadir region has around 744 children diagnosed with measles; hence, justifying the immunization drive.