Mogadishu, Somalia – The Ministry of Health has received 498 solar-powered cold chain units to strengthen vaccine storage and distribution across the country. The new equipment, which will be installed in 485 health facilities nationwide, is expected to significantly improve access to lifesaving vaccines for millions of Somalis.
The cold chain units are designed to maintain vaccines at the required temperatures even in areas with limited or unreliable electricity supply. This is a major boost for Somalia’s immunization program, which has faced recurring challenges due to weak infrastructure, frequent power outages, and hard-to-reach rural communities.
Health officials say the initiative will help bridge gaps in child immunization coverage, reduce vaccine spoilage, and improve preparedness for outbreaks.
The new cold chain system will support national campaigns against diseases such as polio, measles, and cholera, while also bolstering the routine immunization program. It is also expected to strengthen Somalia’s readiness to handle future vaccination drives, including those for emerging infectious diseases.
Public health experts have welcomed the move, noting that Somalia’s fragile health system requires sustainable innovations that can withstand climate shocks and infrastructure challenges. By relying on solar technology, the units will ensure uninterrupted vaccine storage, even in remote areas with little to no access to the national power grid.
The rollout of the equipment marks a milestone in Somalia’s efforts to expand healthcare equity, particularly for vulnerable children and communities in rural and conflict-affected areas. Installation and training for health workers on the use of the new cold chain units is set to begin immediately.