Issue

Issue

Action

Action

EPI acceleration

EPI acceleration

Impact

Impact

Health services and sector reform

Health services and sector reform

Immunization

Immunization

Disease control

Disease control

Reproductive health and safe motherhood

Reproductive health and safe motherhood

 

Immunization

© UNICEF/HQ96-1186/ Pirozzi

A woman holds her baby and the child's immunization card as they wait in line during an immunization session at the Nageye Maternal and Child Health Centre in the Karani District of Mogadishu in 1996.

Immunization coverage, despite being generally low for all antigens (any substance used to provoke an immune response in the human body) is reaching an increased number of children and mothers through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). A targeted 'acceleration' approach in highly-populated areas is being used to reach more people.

Routine immunization for all antigens is continuing in health centres, with special consideration being given to polio National Immunization Days (NIDs).

A campaign to eradicate polio

Gains have been made in Somalia during the years since 1997 when UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the ‘National Immunization Days’ campaign concept to eradicate polio, but work must continue to ensure success.