Somalia launches first phase of diphtheria vaccination campaign across Banadir region
Somalia launches first phase of diphtheria vaccination campaign across Banadir region
The Minister of Health and Social Care of the Federal Government of Somalia, Dr. Ali Haji Aden, together with the Deputy Governor for Social Affairs of the Banadir Regional Administration, Mr. Abdiasis Osman Mohamed, on Tuesday officially launched the first phase of the Diphtheria vaccination campaign, which will be implemented across the Banadir region.
The launch ceremony was held at Mogadishu School in the Shibis district and was attended by government officials, health partners, and representatives from international organizations. Speakers at the event emphasized the critical role of vaccination in saving children’s lives and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.
The vaccination campaign, scheduled to run from 16 to 20 December 2025, aims to reach children across districts in the Banadir region to prevent the spread of diphtheria, a disease that poses a serious public health risk. The Ministry of Health recently announced that this year alone, approximately 1,000 diphtheria cases have been recorded, with about 100 children losing their lives as a result.
The Director of Health for the Banadir Region, Dr. Abdirahman Ahmed Mahmoud, described it as unfortunate that in 2025 the region continues to record high numbers of diphtheria cases, leading to preventable child deaths.
Deputy Governor for Social Affairs and Public Awareness of Banadir Region, Mr. Abdiasis Osman Mohamed, stated that the vaccination campaign will be carried out in schools, Quranic learning centers, and health facilities. He urged parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine to protect them from the disease.
Minister of Health and Social Care, Dr. Ali Haji Aden, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating diphtheria, noting that the disease has been largely eliminated in many parts of the world. He stressed that intensified vaccination efforts and community cooperation are essential to fully eliminate the disease in Somalia.
The campaign is part of broader national efforts to strengthen public health systems, protect children, and prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
