Early on the morning of 19 February 2026, as the sun rose over Dhusamareb, the capital of Somalia’s Galmudug State, a vaccination team arrived at one of the local madrasas on the city’s outskirts where more than 100 boys and girls learn the Qur’an, guided by their teachers.
As part of efforts to build children’s immunity in high-risk areas, a team of health workers searched for children aged 5 years to vaccinate. By the time the team set up, teachers had already organized the children, creating a calm environment. One by one, the children stepped forward to receive their vaccines, some curious, others shy, but all reassured by their teachers’ familiar faces.
In Somalia, madrasas are more than places of learning. They are trusted social institutions. This trust makes them a vital link between health services and communities, especially where access to health information can be limited.
By opening their doors and actively encouraging participation and advocating for families to give their children the best shot at staying healthy, madrasa teachers help ensure no child is missed.
“I am a father of 5 and a Qur’an teacher for more than 100 students. Knowing the benefits of vaccination, I always call the vaccination teams to come to the madrasa,” said Abdullahi Elmi Mohamud, head of the learning centre.
