Assessing Vaccination Delivery Strategies for Zero-Dose and Under-Immunized Children in the Fragile Context of Somalia

Somalia is one of 20 countries in the world with the highest numbers of zero-dose children. This study aims to identify who and where zero-dose and under-vaccinated children are and what the existing vaccine delivery strategies to reach zero-dose children in Somalia are. This qualitative study was conducted in three geographically diverse regions of Somalia (rural/remote, nomadic/pastoralists, IDPs, and urban poor population), with government officials and NGO staff (n = 17), and with vaccinators and community members (n = 52). The data were analyzed using the GAVI Vaccine Alliance IRMMA framework. Nomadic populations, internally displaced persons, and populations living in remote and Al-shabaab-controlled areas are three vulnerable and neglected populations with a high proportion of zero-dose children. Despite the contextual heterogeneity of these population groups, the lack of targeted, population-specific strategies and meaningful engagement of local communities in the planning and implementation of immunization services is problematic in effectively reaching zero-dose children. This is, to our knowledge, the first study that examines vaccination strategies for zero-dose and under-vaccinated populations in the fragile context of Somalia. Evidence on populations at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and barriers to vital vaccination services remain critical and urgent, especially in a country like Somalia with complex health system challenges.

Ali-Salad, Mohamed A (author)
Mahmoud, Amina JUppsala universitet,Institutionen för kvinnors och barns hälsa,Somali Institute for Development Research and Analysis (SIDRA), Garowe, Puntland State, Somalia (author)
Singh, Neha S (author)
Abdelmagid, Nada (author)
Sabahelzain, Majdi M (author)
Checchi, Francesco (author)
Mounier-Jack, Sandra (author)
Nor, BarniUppsala universitet,Internationell kvinno- och mödrahälsovård och migration,Birgitta Essen(Swepub:uu)barno959 (author)
Uppsala universitetInstitutionen för kvinnors och barns hälsa (creator_code:org_t)

By the author/editor: Bile, Ahmed Said; Ali-Salad, Moham ...; Mahmoud, Amina J; Singh, Neha S; Abdelmagid, Nada; Sabahelzain, Maj ...; show more...; Checchi, Frances ...; Mounier-Jack, Sa ...; Nor, Barni; show less...

About the subject

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: MEDICAL AND HEAL ...; and Health Sciences; and Public Health Gl ...

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