Factors Influencing Low Immunization Coverage among Under-Five Children in Daynile District, Mogadishu, Somalia.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2021364%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20Keywords:
Immunization coverage, under-five children, socio-cultural factors, political factors, Daynile district, SomaliaAbstract
Abstract:
Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health strategies to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality. While Somalia has recorded significant progress—with national fully vaccinated coverage rising to approximately 70% in 2025 according to recent WHO/UNICEF estimates—severe disparities persist. Conflict-affected and peri-urban districts such as Daynile in the Banaadir region continue to experience coverage rates significantly below the national average. This study aimed to assess the socio-cultural and political factors influencing immunization coverage among children under five years of age in Daynile district, contributing to the evidence base for the "Big Catch-Up" immunization strategy. A cross-sectional study design was employed, with primary data collected from 55 female guardians of children under five years using structured, close-ended questionnaires. The study targeted households in accessibility-compromised zones of Daynile. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and presented in tables, figures, and descriptive narratives. Findings revealed that only 16% of children were fully immunized, 49% were partially immunized, while 35% had never received any vaccines. Socio-cultural determinants such as fear of side effects (20%), misconceptions about vaccine efficacy (14.5%), and beliefs linking vaccines to infertility (1.8%) negatively influenced immunization uptake. Additionally, partner discouragement (30%) and reliance on traditional birth attendants further limited vaccination access. Political barriers were equally significant, with all respondents reporting lack of support from NGOs, community leaders, and district authorities, compounded by ongoing insecurity in the district.
The study concludes that both socio-cultural misconceptions and inadequate political commitment contribute to persistently low immunization coverage in Daynile. Strengthening community-based awareness campaigns, integrating local leaders into health promotion, and improving government-led outreach services are essential to enhance vaccine uptake.
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