𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐠𝐚

It’s African Vaccination Week (AVW)—a time when countries across the continent unite to strengthen life-saving immunization efforts. Celebrated during the last week of April, this year’s theme, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” underscores the universal potential of vaccines to protect individuals and communities alike.

Here in Jijiga, the Somali Regional Health Bureau commemorated this important occasion with a collaborative event that brought together stakeholders from across the health and development sector. We are proud to share that the OWS Development Fund (OWS-DF) Gavi Project Staff actively participated in and contributed to the success of these activities. Our Zonal Technical Advisors (TAs), particularly those based in Fafan Zone, played a key role in facilitating discussions, mobilizing communities, and supporting ongoing vaccination campaigns.

As part of this week’s efforts, we are fully aligned with the key objectives of African Vaccination Week 2025:

Reaching Zero-Dose Children – Identifying and immunizing children who have not received any vaccines.

Highlighting Health Benefits – Promoting the individual and community-wide advantages of immunization.

Strengthening Health Systems – Reinforcing the critical role of routine immunization in achieving universal health coverage.

Addressing Gaps – Tackling immunization challenges through increased investments and targeted interventions.

In addition to participating in the AVW events, the OWS-DF Gavi Project Team is also actively supporting the ongoing Big Catch-Up Vaccination Campaign in Jijiga. This important effort is making significant progress in ensuring that more children—especially those previously missed—receive the protection they need.

Through these collaborative initiatives, OWS Development Fund remains committed to advancing equitable access to immunization and strengthening the health system in the Somali Region.