Mogadishu, Somalia – In a major boost for child health, Somalia has successfully reached nearly 700,000 children with life-saving vaccines as part of the nationwide “Big Catch-Up Initiative” during 2024 and 2025.
This milestone was achieved under the leadership of the federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, with critical support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other development partners.
The campaign focused on reaching “zero-dose” children—those who had not received any vaccines—across the country, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected communities. As part of the effort, Somalia also introduced two critical vaccines: the 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-13) and the Rotavirus vaccine. These vaccines target pneumonia and diarrhea, which remain among the leading causes of child mortality in the country.
Health officials hailed the campaign as a breakthrough for Somalia’s fragile health system, which has long struggled with low immunization coverage due to insecurity, displacement, and limited infrastructure. The initiative not only improved vaccine delivery but also strengthened routine immunization systems, supply chains, and community engagement.
The Big Catch-Up Initiative is part of a global drive to restore and expand immunization coverage following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.