THE DELIVERY THAT WENT THE EXTRA MILE
SUAAD’S STORY
There was a time when my children suffered from measles. Those who weren’t vaccinated passed away, and those who were vaccinated hardly felt any effects.
Suaad used to think vaccination was unnecessary, but thanks to regular visits by Save the Children’s outreach teams she now believes that vaccines are important.
She vaccinated her youngest sons, Said* and Zakariya*, and now encourages her grown-up children to vaccinate theirs.
For children who reach five without a single vaccine, the chance to protect them this way has passed.
THE JOURNEY
The journey to vaccinate children in hard to reach Puntland communities begins at the nearest town, where health workers load the
ambulance with vaccines, cold boxes and essential outreach supplies.
The team drives as far as the roads allow.
The journey continues by donkey, carrying the vaccines and equipment the rest of the way
''If the road is inaccessible to the ambulance, we usually carry the cold boxes on our backs or use a donkey to reach people.''
– Anab, Lead Health Worker
Hours later, in the heat, they reach families like Suaad’s. They come back every two weeks.
Anab and her team are determined to reach children who may otherwise have no way of accessing vaccinations.
No child should be left unprotected simply because the road ends.
WHAT WAS DELIVERED?
The delivery wasn’t just vaccines. It was protection.
Cold boxes to keep vaccines at the right temperature.
Arm measuring tape to check children for malnutrition.
Registration cards so no child is missed.
And a loudspeaker to spread the word in the community.
Because even the most effective vaccine can only save lives if it arrives safely.
REACHING CHILDREN OTHERS CAN’T
Somalia has one of the world’s highest numbers of children who have never had a single routine vaccine.
During each visit, children are also screened for malnutrition, checked for illness and connected to further care if they need it.
“A vaccinated child is completely different from an unvaccinated one.”
– Anab, Lead Health Worker
PROTECTED
On the day the team visited, Suaad’s granddaughter Yusra* received her vaccine.
“The health workers are very good. They are a good team. During today’s visit, they examined and vaccinated the children.” – Suaad*
Her son Said*, 13, already knows why it matters: “[Vaccination] prevents and protects against diseases.”
ONE DELIVERY.
THOUSANDS OF CHILDHOODS PROTECTED.
A vaccine is small enough to fit inside a cold box, and powerful enough to save a life.
In 2025, our outreach programme in Somalia reached more than 135,000 children.
More than 43,000 received their very first vaccine.
£8 could pay for a donkey to carry vaccines to a family like Suaad’s for a day.
This Christmas, make one more delivery that matters: Donate now
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