Barriers and Disparities in Maternal and Child Vaccination Coverage in Galmudug State, Somalia: A Descriptive Study

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Background: Vaccination is a vital public health intervention for reducing child mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite progress, disparities persist in fragile settings such as Somalia. Galmudug State faces challenges including socioeconomic inequalities, geographic barriers, insecurity, and limited healthcare infrastructure. This study examined maternal and child vaccination coverage in Galmudug, focusing on socio-demographic, healthcare, and geographic factors. Methods: This descriptive study analyzed secondary data from the 2021 Galmudug Health and Demographic Survey, which included 1741 households. Vaccination coverage was assessed for children aged 12 to 23 months alongside maternal education, wealth, and residence type. Results: Only 9% of children were fully vaccinated. Coverage was highest among educated mothers and wealthier households, with 14% in urban areas compared with 2% in nomadic populations. Low antenatal care attendance (66% had no visits) and high dropout rates further limited coverage. Conclusion: Improving vaccination requires expanding maternal education, increasing antenatal care access, and implementing mobile health services and awareness programs.