24 October 2024, Somalia – This World Polio Day, the Government of Somalia, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) join in reaffirming their commitment to safeguard every child against polio.
Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, the incidence of polio has plummeted by 99 per cent thanks to the widespread use of vaccines. Engagement by Somalia's Federal Ministry of Health, state leaders, communities, parents and caregivers, and the support of health care workers, has been vital to the success of vaccination campaigns.
Achieving and maintaining a polio-free world means every child will be safe from being paralyzed by the disease. Today, as we mark the profound success of immunization against polio, we also call on all stakeholders to fund and prioritize vaccines in 2024.
Somalia successfully stopped transmission of wild poliovirus in 2014. However, the country is now facing the world’s longest running outbreak of circulating variant poliovirus type 2. Somalia is also facing recurrent outbreaks of measles and cholera spurred by drought and floods, underscoring the need for novel techniques to reach children in remote communities, expand vaccination coverage and enhance the health system.
“As we celebrate progress, we also recognize the critical work that remains. Incredible political commitment, demonstrated by the Prime Minister’s National Task Force on Immunization and Polio Eradication, along with the active involvement of ministers and state leaders in inaugurating polio campaigns, has been crucial in driving efforts to stop the current outbreak. Collaboration between the Somali government, health workers and international partners is paving the way towards a polio-free Somalia,” said the Minister of Health and Human Services of the Federal Government of Somalia Dr Ali Haji Adam.
"On this important day, we recognize the significant progress Somalia has made in the fight against polio through sustained immunization efforts, even in the country’s most remote regions, and strengthened surveillance systems that protect our gains. We remain committed to ensuring Somalia stays on track towards a polio-free future and will continue to provide support," said WHO Somalia Deputy Representative Dr Mohamed Ali Kamil.
Now is the time to end polio for good. But if we don’t stay committed the virus could quickly make a comeback. Somalia has been streamlining efforts to end transmission, using updated emergency action plans developed collectively by the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services and GPEI partners.
"On this World Polio Day, we reflect on our journey and renew our commitment to reach every last child. With the tools at our disposal, we must intensify our efforts, innovate new strategies to reach those we’ve missed, and strengthen routine immunization," said UNICEF Deputy Country Representative for Somalia Nisar Syed. "No child should be paralyzed by or die from an illness that can be prevented through immunization. Investing in vaccines and a robust health system is a sure step to help protect future generations."
Immunization is one of humanity’s most remarkable success stories. In the last 50 years, immunization efforts have saved thousands of lives and helped significantly reduce infant deaths across the country. Together, we will work to secure a polio-free future for all Somali children.
For additional information, please contact:
Mohamed Osman, Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, Head of Comms & Public Engagement,
Khadar Hared, WHO Communication Officer,
Lisa Hill, Communications Specialist, UNICEF,
