Somali Government Unveils Dynamic Task Force to Boost Immunization and Enhance Child Survival Rates
Mogadishu (AX) – The Somali government has set up a fresh national task force aimed at bolstering immunization, stamping out polio, and enhancing child survival tactics to solidify the nation’s public health framework.
On Saturday, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Health Minister Dr. Ali Hajji Adam, prominent government officials, and delegates from international partner organizations gathered in Mogadishu to mark the commencement of this initiative.
Prime Minister Barre stressed the administration’s dedication to polio eradication and routine immunization initiatives. He vowed to rally support for Somalia’s emergency action plan to halt polio spread, safeguarding children from the affliction.
He pushed for a holistic approach to tackle broader health issues that lead to child mortality and sickness, noting that the mission extends beyond just polio eradication.
Health Minister Dr. Ali Hajji Adam praised the Prime Minister’s leadership in forming the high-level task force, signifying a rejuvenated governmental resolve to protect the well-being of Somali children.
In April, the Somali government unveiled an agenda to immunize 1.5 million children, targeting “zero-dose children” and those who are yet to complete their multi-dose vaccination schedule within this year.
The administration also committed to rolling out the pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines in the upcoming months.
The pneumococcal vaccine aims to shield against severe ailments like pneumonia and meningitis, while the rotavirus vaccine targets rotavirus infections, a frequent culprit of diarrhea and vomiting. Somali healthcare professionals highlighted the critical role these vaccines will play in reducing sickness and death rates among youngsters under five.
