BThe Director of the Department
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Child Health Department are integral components of the Somaliland Ministry of Health Development (MoHD), operating under the Public Health and Community Health Services Directorates.
These departments are pivotal in enhancing child health outcomes across the nation. —
Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)The EPI is tasked with delivering essential vaccines to children under five, aiming to reduce the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Key responsibilities include: Vaccine Delivery and Coverage:
- Ensuring the administration of vaccines such as BCG, OPV, DPT, Hepatitis B, Hib, IPV, and MCV to children across Somaliland.
- Training and Capacity Building: Conducting refresher training sessions for health workers, exemplified by recent programs in the Maroodijeeh region, to introduce new vaccines like IPV2 and MCV2.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Organizing annual review meetings to assess immunization program performance, with participation from regional coordinators and international partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and Save the Children. –
Child Health Department
The Child Health Department focuses on:
- Nutrition and Feeding Programs:
- Collaborating with nutrition sections to promote quality child feeding practices.
- Family Planning and Child Spacing: Implementing programs to educate and provide services related to family planning.
- Maternal and Neonatal Care: Ensuring the provision of comprehensive emergency obstetric care and neonatal services in health centers.
- Health Education: Promoting school health programs and health education in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. —
- Strategic Framework and PartnershipsThe MoHD’s vision emphasizes universal access to quality health services, with a focus on maternal, neonatal, and child health.
- To achieve this, the ministry collaborates with international organizations to strengthen health systems, address challenges like vaccine hesitancy, and improve data management practices.
