In Somalia, the struggle against measles has been a constant reality for families like Foos Abdullahi Ahmed’s. For years, cultural misconceptions hindered vaccination efforts, with many community members relying on traditional remedies and believing they could combat measles without medical intervention.
These deeply rooted beliefs left children vulnerable to severe health complications, including blindness and death.
“Measles is becoming very common in our area, making routine immunization imperative. I have personally witnessed neighbors lose children to measles, resulting in lifelong disabilities,” Foos recalls.
This motivated her to ensure her children are vaccinated regularly. Her youngest child, nine-month-old Shaaciye, is now fully vaccinated.
“This is a significant milestone for me and my family, and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” Foos expressed.
The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the International Medical Corps (IMC), a CaafimaadPlus Consortium Partner, intensified efforts to educate communities. Through media outreach, household visits, and community meetings, they challenged misconceptions and raised awareness about the benefits of measles vaccination.
Due to drought and conflict, many families moved to overcrowded IDP camps, significantly increasing the risk of measles outbreaks. Health workers specifically targeted these camps to ensure displaced families understood the risks and the importance of immunization.
In 2024 alone, the IMC supported the MoH in vaccinating over 5,500 children under five against measles in the Galkacyo District thanks to EU Humanitarian Aid funding. This large-scale effort demonstrated a strong commitment to improving vaccination coverage in vulnerable communities. The Consortium immunized 47,033 children under one year old across Somalia (21,229 boys and 25,804 girls).
A growing number of families, inspired by health education, now prioritize vaccination. Mothers like Xadiyo, who once avoided immunization, have embraced it after witnessing its benefits. These collaborative efforts have resulted in thousands of children receiving lifesaving measles vaccines, significantly reducing the risk of outbreaks in Galkacyo and the surrounding regions.
The shift in attitudes toward vaccination has empowered families to protect their children and has strengthened community resilience against preventable diseases.
The success in Galkacyo represents a significant step forward in combating preventable diseases in Somalia. However, challenges persist. Routine immunization coverage remains low due to logistical barriers, cultural beliefs, and limited healthcare infrastructure. Measles continues to pose a severe threat, particularly in regions affected by conflict and displacement.
Strengthening Somalia’s immunization programs will require sustained collaboration among the government, health partners, and communities. Efforts to expand education campaigns, improve access to vaccines, and foster trust in healthcare systems are essential to achieving lasting progress in protecting children from preventable diseases.
