Somalia is grappling with dangerously low immunization and treatment rates for pneumonia and diarrhea, two of the leading killers of children under five. According to a new report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Somalia remains far behind in providing essential healthcare interventions, placing thousands of young lives at risk.
The report, Tracking Progress Toward Pneumonia and Diarrhea Control, evaluated 15 high-burden countries where pneumonia and diarrhea claim over 1.1 million lives annually. Among these nations, Somalia scored particularly low across key healthcare indicators, underscoring the urgent need for targeted health interventions to prevent avoidable child deaths.
The findings show that Somalia’s vaccination coverage, while reaching moderate levels for some immunizations, remains insufficient across many critical areas:
PCV3 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine): 73% coverage, slightly above the national average for other interventions.
DTP3 (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) and Hib3 (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccines: 72% each.
MCV1 (measles-containing vaccine) and RotaC (rotavirus vaccine): Both at 63%.
Breastfeeding: Only 48%, highlighting a need for greater support for exclusive breastfeeding as a preventive measure.
Antibiotics for pneumonia: 30% coverage, with many children missing out on essential pneumonia treatment.
ORS (oral rehydration solution) and Zinc for diarrhea: A low 27% and 18%, respectively, illustrating significant gaps in basic diarrhea treatment.
The report uses these indicators to assess Somalia’s performance under the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD), a framework aimed at reducing child mortality through a combination of preventive, protective, and treatment measures. Somalia’s overall GAPPD score falls below the global target of 86%, revealing critical weaknesses in the nation’s healthcare delivery.
In contrast to countries that have successfully scaled up their child health interventions, Somalia remains hindered by structural and logistical challenges. India and Nigeria, for example, have seen substantial improvements in child survival rates due to expanded vaccination programs. India’s nationwide PCV3 initiative has increased vaccine coverage to 83%, and Nigeria’s efforts to improve RotaC coverage boosted it from 12% to 49%, helping lower child mortality rates.
Somalia, however, faces unique obstacles that restrict healthcare access. Political instability, limited funding, and logistical barriers mean that even where vaccines and treatments are available, they do not reach many children in need. The disparity highlights the pressing need for international support and coordinated efforts to bridge Somalia’s healthcare gaps.
Dr. William Moss, Executive Director of the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), emphasized the urgency of addressing these gaps. “Our 2024 Pneumonia and Diarrhea Progress Report shows both the progress and unmet needs in preventing young children’s deaths due to preventable diseases. The low coverage in countries like Somalia highlights a critical need for greater investment in healthcare infrastructure and ongoing support for immunization programs,” Moss stated.
The report calls for a coordinated approach to close Somalia’s healthcare gaps. Recommendations include expanding access to life-saving vaccines, promoting breastfeeding and hygiene practices, and improving the availability of antibiotics and rehydration treatments for pneumonia and diarrhea. Experts stress that these interventions are vital for reducing mortality and strengthening the country’s fragile healthcare system.
The stakes are high, with Somalia’s healthcare system already under strain from limited resources and ongoing conflicts. Health experts warn that without immediate, sustained interventions, pneumonia and diarrhea will continue to take thousands of young lives each year, keeping the country far from global goals to reduce preventable child deaths.
