Hargeisa (SLpost)- A new report published by UNICEF highlights how private hospitals in Hargeisa are expanding access to life-saving childhood immunization through a partnership with the Somaliland Ministry of Health Development.
Eight private hospitals have been integrated into the national immunization programme under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in August 2025. Previously, many children born in private facilities had to visit public health centres elsewhere to begin their vaccination schedules. Under the new arrangement, newborns can receive essential vaccines, including BCG and oral polio vaccines, before leaving the hospital.
The initiative is also helping reach so-called zero-dose children who have never received a routine vaccine, particularly those facing barriers to accessing public health facilities. Participating hospitals receive vaccines, syringes, cold-chain equipment and technical support, while government teams supervise services and monitor compliance with national vaccination standards.
According to the UNICEF report, digital reporting has also been introduced in several facilities, replacing paper-based records and allowing vaccination data to be submitted electronically to health authorities.
At KAAH Hospital alone, more than 8,000 children were vaccinated during the first 11 months of the partnership.
The programme has additionally expanded access to vaccines against diseases such as severe diarrhoea and pneumonia, including Rotavirus and Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccines.
UNICEF said the public-private partnership is designed to reduce missed vaccination opportunities and ensure that children can access essential immunization services regardless of where they are born or where their families seek healthcare. The model is expected to expand beyond Hargeisa, with Burao and Borama identified as the next locations for implementation.
Reporting by Somalilandpost News
