Somalia Renews Commitment to End Polio, Ensure Vaccination for Every Child

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has announced its renewed commitment to eradicating polio and called for intensified efforts to protect every child from the debilitating disease.

While marking the World Polio Day, Somalia announced the renewed efforts in partnership with World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

Officials warned that without sustained immunization efforts, the country risks further outbreaks, as it battles the world’s longest-running outbreak of variant poliovirus type 2.

Federal Government if Somalia’s Health minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam, stressed the importance of vaccination in safeguarding the nation’s future.

“Every child vaccinated brings us closer to a polio-free Somalia. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize funding and support for expanded immunization campaigns in 2024,” ” Dr. Haji stated.

Over the years, Somalia has made commendable progress in tackling Polio, effectively halting transmission of the virus by 2014, but various factor such as poor health systems and natural disasters affected the efforts to maintain the achieved progress.

“Somalia’s progress in the fight against polio is commendable, especially in its most isolated regions. But the work is far from over. We must remain vigilant and committed to reaching every last child to ensure the virus does not resurface,” states WHO Deputy Representative Dr. Mohamed Ali Kamil.

UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative, Nizar Syed, echoed the sentiments calling for renewed efforts to ensure the progress achieved so far is maintained.  

“No child should be paralyzed by a preventable disease. Investing in vaccines and strengthening our health systems is key to protecting future generations,” said the UNICEF Deputy Country Representative.