On the 12th of November 2024, SORDI hosted a significant event  to commemorate World Pneumonia Day. The event brought together healthcare professionals, featuring Prof. Abdirisak Dalmar, SORDI’s President, and key speaker Dr. Ziad Ghanem, a senior pediatrician from Mogadishu.

The focus of our discussion centered on a critical issue facing Somalia: the urgent need for accessible healthcare and comprehensive vaccination programs. We are pleased to announce a breakthrough development in collaboration with the Somali Federal Ministry of Health and GAVI, who are sponsoring essential vaccinations including BCG and rotavirus.

In a historic step forward, April 2025 will mark the first-time introduction of new vaccines in Somalia – the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine. This initiative represents a significant milestone in our nation’s healthcare system and demonstrates our commitment to improving children’s health outcomes.

Our mission extends beyond vaccine introduction – we aim to raise community awareness about the life-saving benefits of these vaccines. Through education and outreach, we hope to ensure that every Somali child has the opportunity to receive these crucial immunizations.

This advancement in our healthcare system marks a new chapter in Somalia’s fight against preventable childhood diseases. We look forward to working with our communities to build a healthier future for our children.