MOGADISHU The Somali government announced significant progress in national immunization coverage as part of strategic efforts to strengthen the public health system and protect future generations from infectious diseases. This achievement demonstrates the success of national plans in expanding essential healthcare services and ensuring access for various community groups throughout the country.

Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Somalia’s Minister of Health and Human Services, revealed in a ministry statement issued Tuesday that national immunization coverage has reached 76%. He stated this achievement resulted from the accelerated expansion of vaccination centers and improved citizen access to these essential services.

The Minister made this announcement while attending the launch of “Africa’s Immunization Strategy” in Nairobi, Kenya. He highlighted that this progress demonstrates the government’s firm commitment to providing health protection for children and vulnerable groups, and reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Minister explained that the formation of the “National Immunization and Polio Eradication Committee,” chaired by the Prime Minister, represents the highest level of political support for these vital programs. This high-level commitment has helped accelerate progress and overcome logistical and field challenges.

Ministry reports indicated that the government has implemented strategic measures to ensure program sustainability by increasing domestic health funding and integrating immunization projects directly into the national budget, with the goal of gradually reducing dependence on external support.

These national figures match the average coverage across Africa for key vaccines like DTP3, which the World Health Organization estimates at approximately 76%. Somalia plans to further increase this rate to achieve the global target of 90%.

The Minister acknowledged the crucial role of international partners, especially “Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,” for providing continuous technical and logistical support that has enhanced health worker capabilities and developed cold chain systems to ensure vaccine quality and safety in different regions.

The Ministry’s future focus includes increasing community awareness about vaccine importance and developing digital systems to monitor immunization rates. This approach ensures no child is left behind and helps build a healthy society with the medical foundations needed for national transformation.

The Ministry stated that reaching this percentage provides strong motivation to continue working toward Universal Health Coverage. It emphasized that investing in immunization represents the safest investment for the country’s future, as it reduces future healthcare costs and improves human capital efficiency.

Somalia’s advancement in immunization indicators to these levels provides a “protective shield” for the nation’s renaissance journey, as building a nation begins with the health of its children. The synergy between political commitment and international support creates a path toward a future where epidemics disappear and wellness illuminates every Somali home, ensuring health remains sustainable wealth and a fundamental pillar for stability and prosperity.