Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Minister of Health, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, has confirmed a measles outbreak in several regions of Somaliland, prompting swift action from the government.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Hirsi announced that the Ministry of Health has activated emergency response mechanisms to contain the spread of the disease.
Key measures include a targeted immunization campaign focusing on children under the age of five, as well as a comprehensive public awareness initiative aimed at informing communities about symptoms, prevention, and the importance of vaccination.
The outbreak was a central topic during a Thursday meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Irro.
The council underscored the need for urgency, inter-agency coordination, and community mobilization to curb further spread of the disease.
“Protecting the health of our children and communities is our top priority,” said President Irro. “We are committed to ensuring that resources and information reach the most vulnerable as quickly as possible.”
Health officials are working with local administrations and international health partners to deploy medical teams and distribute vaccines to the affected areas.
The Ministry of Health has also urged parents to bring their children to designated health centers for vaccination and has warned against misinformation regarding immunization.
The government is expected to provide further updates in the coming days as response efforts continue.