Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Somalia and other health partners, has launched a five-day National Immunization Days (NID) campaign this week aimed at protecting millions of Somali children from polio.
The initiative targets over 4 million children under the age of five, who will receive the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). This critical vaccination effort is part of Somalia’s broader strategy to eliminate the risk of poliovirus transmission and maintain population immunity in the face of recurring outbreaks.
Health minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam officially inaugurated the campaign, stating, “The Government of Somalia remains committed to eradicating polio and ensuring no child is left behind. This round of NIDs is vital to safeguarding our future generations from a crippling but preventable disease.”
Thousands of vaccinators, supervisors, and community mobilizers have been deployed across all federal member states to reach children in both urban centers and remote villages. The campaign involves a door-to-door strategy to ensure maximum coverage, with the support of local authorities, health workers, and international partners.
WHO Somalia, through its Country Representative Dr. Mamunur Malik, reaffirmed its continued partnership with the Ministry, noting that Somalia remains one of the few countries still battling outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). “The deployment of nOPV2, a genetically stabilized and more effective vaccine, is a critical step in our fight to interrupt transmission and protect vulnerable children,” he said.
In addition to vaccination, the campaign is also strengthening community awareness on the importance of routine immunization, hygiene, and disease surveillance to detect and respond quickly to any new infections.
UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are also key partners in the campaign, providing logistical, financial, and technical support to ensure a smooth and equitable rollout.
This latest NID round is part of a sustained national effort that has seen multiple immunization campaigns conducted in recent years amid complex humanitarian challenges, including conflict, displacement, and limited health infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, Somalia has made progress in improving vaccination coverage and building resilience against preventable diseases.
The ministry has urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the vaccine during this campaign and continue to participate in routine immunization services throughout the year.