This systematic review and meta-analysis examined childhood immunization data from 11 eligible cross-sectional studies conducted in Somalia. The researchers pooled information to assess how many children received at least one vaccine, completed the four basic vaccines, or achieved full immunization coverage. The analysis included children across the country to understand patterns in vaccination rates.
The study found that 57.9% of children received at least one vaccine, while only 16.1% completed the four basic vaccines. Full immunization coverage stood at 42.2%. Children born in health facilities were more likely to be immunized compared to those born at home. Mothers with four or more antenatal care visits had lower odds of their child being immunized. Additionally, children living in rural areas were more likely to be immunized than those in urban areas. Maternal education was also linked to higher immunization likelihood.
No safety concerns or adverse events were reported in the source data. The main reason to be careful is that this is a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies, which shows associations rather than proving cause and effect. Readers should take from this that there is an urgent need to strengthen integrated maternal and child health services in Somalia to improve vaccination rates.
