Somalia’s teachers support drive to end polio

Country: Somalia Source: World Health Organization 26 April 2026, Mogadishu, Somalia – Early on the morning of 19 February 2026, as the sun rose over Dhusamareb, the capital of Somalia’s Galmudug State, a vaccination team arrived at one of the local madrasas on the city’s outskirts where more than 100 boys and girls learn the Qur’an, guided by their teachers. As part of efforts to build children’s immunity in high-risk areas, a team of health workers searched for children aged 5 years to vaccinate. By the time the team set up, teachers had already organized the children, creating a calm environment. One by one, the children stepped forward to receive their vaccines, some curious, others shy, but all reassured by their teachers’ familiar faces. Building bridges with communities In Somalia, madrasas are more than places of learning. They are trusted social institutions. This trust makes them a vital link between health services and communities, especially where access to health information can be limited. By opening their doors and actively encouraging participation and advocating for families to give their children the best shot at staying healthy, madrasa teachers help ensure no child is missed. “I am a father of 5 and a Qur’an teacher for more than 100 students. Knowing the benefits of vaccination, I always call the vaccination teams to come to the madrasa, ” said Abdullahi Elmi Mohamud, head of the learning centre. In Somalia, where religious and educational leaders command the trust of their communities, their endorsement of vaccination campaigns helps ease concerns, counter misinformation and improve vaccine acceptance among parents. Inside the classrooms, children sat attentively as health workers moved from one group to another, administering vaccines and recording doses. Collaboration helps Health workers say cooperation from madrasa teachers significantly improves outreach, especially in hard-to-reach areas or during outbreak response campaigns. In Somalia, where diphtheria remains a public health concern, such collaboration is critical to ensuring that every eligible child is reached. “When religious educators and health workers work hand in hand, we build trust and move closer to protecting every child from preventable diseases, ” said Aisha Ali Aden, a member of the District Health Management Team (DHMT) in Galmudug State’s Dhusamareb District. Expanding immunization coverage Recent data from Galmudug show steady progress in reaching young children, including those of school-going age. A total of 225 577 children under 15 years of age have been vaccinated against diphtheria in the region. Children under 5 receive the pentavalent vaccine, protecting them against multiple life-threatening childhood diseases. Children aged between 5 and 15 years are covered with tetanus-diphtheria vaccines, an important measure in areas at risk of outbreaks. Health authorities say these expanded strategies have helped reach targeted children. Somalia has faced significant vaccine hesitancy in the past. However, sustained efforts to raise community awareness are driving change. Communities’ understanding and acceptance of vaccination are improving, helping protect Somalia’s children from preventable diseases. For more information, please contact: Khadar Hared, Communication Officer, WHO Somalia Tel: +252619800011 Email: haredk@who. int

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