Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia has launched a nationwide campaign to distribute three million Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in 40 high-risk areas, including displacement camps, in a bid to curb the spread of malaria. The initiative, funded by the Global Fund and implemented in partnership with the federal Ministry of Health and UNICEF Somalia, aims to shield millions of families—particularly women and children—from one of the country’s deadliest diseases.
The campaign is one of Somalia’s largest malaria prevention drives in recent years. Health authorities emphasized that the targeted areas are those most vulnerable to recurrent outbreaks, where poor shelter and overcrowding expose people to higher mosquito bites. By prioritizing internally displaced persons (IDPs), rural households, and communities with limited access to healthcare, the program seeks to close health protection gaps that disproportionately affect children under five and pregnant women.
According to the federal health ministry, malaria remains a significant threat to public health in Somalia, especially in places where poverty and displacement limit prevention options. Consequently, the ministry considers the distribution of LLINs as not only a cost-effective measure but also a lifesaving one.
According to UNICEF, the nets are designed to provide long-term protection, combining physical shielding with insecticidal treatment that kills mosquitoes on contact. Previous distributions of LLINs in Somalia have significantly reduced infection rates in target communities, but recurring floods, displacement, and weak health infrastructure have made sustained efforts essential.
Somalia’s reliance on international partners such as the Global Fund reflects the scale of the challenge. With limited domestic resources, large-scale interventions depend on donor support to maintain momentum against preventable diseases. The Ministry of Health has urged communities to make full use of the nets and pledged to continue expanding health education campaigns alongside the distribution.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Somalia, where fragile healthcare systems struggle to respond to recurring outbreaks. Public health experts believe that this latest mass distribution drive could substantially cut transmission rates, protecting millions of households and supporting the country’s broader fight to strengthen primary healthcare.
