Somalia launches two lifesaving vaccines to prevent pneumonia and diarrhea in children

Mogadishu, Somalia, 23 April 2025 – The Federal Republic of Somalia has officially introduced two life-saving vaccines into its national immunization programme - pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine - aimed at preventing pneumonia and diarrhea in children. The introduction follows the launch of the Somali Immunization and Polio Eradication Task force (SIPE) led by the PM Hamza Abdi Barre and Child Survival Forum in 2024.

The country has simultaneously launched a nationwide measles catch-up campaign to combat one of the leading killers of children in the country.

This integrated effort marks a major milestone in the country’s journey to reduce the prevalence of three of the most dangerous causes of disease and death in Somali children - measles, pneumonia, and rotavirus-related diarrhea.

The Somali Ministry of Health is leading this effort with support from its partners in the immunization programme. It comes at a critical time as Somalia grapples with persistent measles outbreaks and deaths caused by pneumonia and rotavirus-related diarrhea. Together, measles, pneumonia, and diarrhea account for an estimated 43 per cent of annual child deaths in the country.

In 2024, the Somali government, through the Prime Minister as chair of the Somali immunization and polio eradication taskforce and child survival forum, made a commitment to introduce pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into the country’s routine immunization programme.

“The introduction of these two vaccines and the launch of the measles catch-up campaign marks a significant step in our national effort to reduce child deaths and build a healthier future for Somalia’s next generation,” said Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Federal Minister of Health of Somalia. “Our government is committed to investing in the health of our children and strengthening our immunization services in partnership with global and regional health partners.”

Pneumococcal infections can cause serious conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis, and septicemia. Similarly, rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration, contributing significantly to malnutrition and mortality in children. Countries that have introduced the PCV into their routine immunization programme have reported marked declines in hospitalizations and deaths among children.

This milestone is made possible through Gavi’s revised support framework for fragile, emergency-affected and displaced populations, which offers flexible and targeted assistance to countries like Somalia whose immunization systems are weakened by recurring crises.

Commenting on this development, Patience Musanhu, Senior Country Manager for Somalia at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance said, “We commend the Federal Ministry of Health, frontline health and community workers, and other stakeholders involved for the commitment to introduce these two critical vaccines amid multiple competing priorities. Given the burden of these diseases in Somalia, this is an investment well worth making – one that will save lives and have a transformative impact on health and development, families, communities, and the health system. Gavi remains committed to working with the government and partners to support the vision of a healthier, more prosperous future for Somalia.”

The measles catch-up campaign is designed to rapidly close immunity gaps among children who have missed routine vaccinations due to insecurity, displacement, or service disruptions. The campaign aims to reach millions of children across the country, protecting them from one of the most contagious and deadly vaccine-preventable diseases.

“This is more than just a vaccine launch – it is a promise to Somalia’s children that their lives matter, their health matters,” said Dr. Kamil Mohamed Ali, WHO Representative. “For years, we have witnessed too many young lives lost to diseases we now have the power to prevent. With these new vaccines and the measles catch-up campaign, we are turning the tide and reaffirming our commitment to equity, access, and a healthier future for all.”

“The introduction of these two vaccines is a big win for children in Somalia,” said UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “By this action alone, and with the measles campaign, we will be preventing nearly half of the deaths occurring every year among young children in Somalia, and sparing families the grief and sorrow of losing their loved ones. These children will be given an opportunity to grow up, realize their dreams, and contribute to their nation’s progress.” 

This integrated launch reflects the strong collaboration between the Somali government and its health partners in expanding equitable access to essential health services. Together, they are working to protect every child in Somalia from preventable diseases and lay the foundation for a more resilient and healthier future.

Photos from the launch can be accessed by clicking here