Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating polio, calling for intensified efforts to protect every child from the crippling disease.
The announcement was made as the country marked World Polio Day, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
Officials emphasized that without sustained immunization campaigns, Somalia remains at risk of further outbreaks, particularly as it continues to battle the world’s longest-running outbreak of variant poliovirus type 2.
Somalia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Haji Adam, highlighted the critical role of vaccination in securing 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,” he said.
Over the years, Somalia has made significant strides in combating polio, successfully halting the transmission of the virus by 2014. However, challenges such as a weakened health system and frequent natural disasters have hindered efforts to maintain these gains.
“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,†said WHO Deputy Representative Dr. Mohamed Ali Kamil.
UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative, Nizar Syed, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of safeguarding the progress made. “No child should be paralyzed by a preventable disease. Investing in vaccines and strengthening our health systems is key to protecting future generations,†he stated.
With renewed efforts and global partnerships, Somalia aims to overcome the ongoing challenges and ensure a polio-free future for all its children.
