Somalia has called on parents to ensure their children receive polio vaccines as health officials warn that gaps in immunisation could leave communities vulnerable to the potentially crippling disease.
The appeal came as the government, working with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), marked World Polio Day with a nationwide campaign aimed at reaching every child and strengthening efforts to eliminate the disease.
Health Minister Ali Haji Adam urged parents to take vaccination seriously, warning that children should not be left exposed to a disease that can be prevented through immunisation.
“No child should suffer from a disease that can be prevented through vaccination,” Adam said, calling on families to ensure their children receive the required vaccines.
The campaign, whose advocacy activities took place across Somalia on October 23, brought together government officials, health partners, religious leaders, young people and local communities to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.
The nationwide mobilisation comes as health authorities seek to close gaps in immunisation, particularly among children living in remote areas and communities affected by displacement and population movement.
Health officials say reaching every child is essential to preventing poliovirus from finding opportunities to spread. Children who miss vaccination campaigns may remain unprotected, creating gaps in community immunity.
Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO representative in Somalia, warned that even one child missed by vaccination teams could leave an opening for the virus.
“Every missed child leaves a gap poliovirus can exploit,” Karamagi said, stressing the need for stronger disease surveillance and vaccination services to reach children in remote and mobile communities.
The challenge is particularly significant in areas where families move frequently or have been displaced, making it harder for health teams to locate children and ensure they receive their vaccines.
UNICEF Representative Sandra Lattouf said the agency was working alongside the Somali government and WHO to strengthen surveillance, improve the quality of vaccination campaigns and expand routine immunisation services.
Parents urged to help prevent polio
The Ministry of Health has also called on community leaders, including religious leaders, to encourage families to vaccinate their children and counter misinformation that can undermine immunisation efforts.
Adam said the government would strengthen cooperation with federal member states, health partners and local communities to ensure vaccines reach every child.
The campaign reflects the importance of public trust in vaccination programmes, particularly in communities where misinformation or difficulties accessing health services may prevent children from receiving vaccines.
In Mogadishu, organisers used a women’s national basketball championship match at WISH Basketball Stadium on Friday, October 23, to raise awareness about polio. Government officials and development partners attended the event.
Similar activities were held across Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West State and Jubaland as authorities sought to bring the message to communities throughout the country.