(16/08/23) MOGADISHU – A five-day cholera vaccination campaign in Jubaland State, covering five districts along the Kenya-Ethiopia border known as the Mandela triangle, successfully concluded on Wednesday. The campaign, which ran from August 12 to 16, 2023, aimed to vaccinate over 590,000 individuals, including pregnant women and those aged one year and above. The covered districts included Afmadow, Belet Xaawo, Luuq, Doolow, and Dhobley. This collaborative initiative was synchronised with parallel efforts in Ethiopia and Kenya to address cholera risks among border communities.
The campaign featured 788 vaccination teams, each consisting of two vaccinators, a data clerk, and a cold chain attendant. A social mobilizer supported each team. The World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services and State Ministry of Health of Jubaland State to execute this campaign.
As of July 2023, Somalia had reported 11,704 suspected cholera cases and 30 related deaths across 28 drought-affected districts. Approximately 54% of these cases were children under the age of five, with girls comprising 52% of this group.
Ismail Ahmed Garas, the Health Minister of Jubaland State, expressed profound gratitude to WHO, and UNICEF for their timely support. He emphasised the pivotal role of WHO and UNICEF in preparing health workers, social mobilisers, and data collectors for the campaign. Despite the challenges posed by a fragile health system, the minister affirmed their unwavering determination to save lives. He believes that this collaborative intervention will effectively halt cholera and measles transmission, ultimately preserving precious lives.
