Maputo, Mozambique – Somalia has received international acclaim for its groundbreaking efforts in child health after being honored with a prestigious award during the Global Immunization and Child Survival Summit held in Maputo.
Leading the Somali delegation was the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Guled Abdijalil, who proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Somali people. The recognition was presented by Her Royal Highness Infanta Cristina of Spain, underscoring Somalia’s remarkable progress in introducing life-saving vaccines into its national immunization program.
Somalia was specifically celebrated for its successful rollout of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and Rotavirus vaccine—two critical interventions that protect children from pneumonia and severe diarrheal diseases, respectively. These illnesses have historically been among the leading causes of child mortality in Somalia.
“This award is a tribute to the unwavering efforts of our frontline health workers, our ministry, and our international partners. Introducing PCV and Rotavirus vaccines is not just a technical achievement—it’s a lifesaving milestone that is already protecting thousands of Somali children,” said Dr. Abdijalil.
The introduction of the vaccines was made possible through partnerships with global health organizations, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF, as well as technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the Ministry of Health, the rollout of the vaccines is part of Somalia’s broader National Immunization Strategy, which aims to reduce preventable child deaths and strengthen the country’s public health systems. Since the introduction of the PCV and Rotavirus vaccines, immunization coverage rates in several regions have significantly improved, even in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas.
HRH Infanta Cristina lauded Somalia’s determination in overcoming logistical, infrastructural, and security-related challenges to ensure vaccines reach the most vulnerable.
The Global Immunization and Child Survival Summit brought together health leaders, policymakers, and child health advocates from around the world to share innovations and renew commitments to achieving universal immunization coverage.
Somalia’s recognition at the summit is being hailed as a beacon of hope and progress in the country’s ongoing journey toward better health outcomes for its youngest citizens.