Somalia Launches 5-Day National Immunization Campaign to Protect 4 Million Children from Polio

 

Somalia Launches 5-Day National Immunization Campaign to Protect 4 Million Children from Polio

This week, the Somali Ministry of Health, with the vital support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners, officially launched a five-day National Immunization Days (NID) campaign aimed at protecting the nation’s youngest citizens from the threat of polio.

The campaign targets over 4 million children under the age of five, delivering the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2)—a next-generation vaccine specifically designed to combat outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus.

A National Effort to Protect the Future

Polio remains a serious threat in several regions, and Somalia is no exception. Due to years of conflict and limited access to healthcare in some rural and hard-to-reach areas, the risk of outbreaks remains high. The NID campaign represents a coordinated effort to close immunity gaps and stop transmission by ensuring that every eligible child is vaccinated.

Speaking on the initiative, officials from the Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of working closely with communities, local health workers, and regional leaders to ensure full coverage and effective outreach, especially in underserved areas.

Why nOPV2 Matters

The use of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) is a crucial step forward. Unlike older formulations, nOPV2 offers a safer and more stable response to variant poliovirus strains, reducing the risk of further outbreaks while delivering strong protection.

By rolling out nOPV2 at scale, Somalia is aligning with global strategies to eliminate polio and prevent future resurgence.

Collaboration Is Key

This ambitious campaign is made possible through strong collaboration between government bodies and health partners including WHO Somalia, UNICEF, and Gavi. Their combined resources, technical support, and on-ground logistics are driving the national immunization effort.

Looking Ahead

With the campaign now underway, health teams across the country are working tirelessly to reach every child—door-to-door, in health centers, and through mobile outreach units. The Ministry has also emphasized ongoing public awareness and community engagement to ensure parents understand the importance of the vaccine and are encouraged to participate.

Somalia’s fight against polio is far from over, but initiatives like this bring hope. By prioritizing prevention, the country is not just combating a disease—it’s investing in a healthier, safer future for its next generation.