Vaccination against polio is an essential tool in the fight against this highly contagious and potentially crippling disease. In countries like Somalia, where conflict and instability prevail, the challenge of delivering vaccination campaigns is further compounded. The language barrier, particularly for Maay speakers, adds another layer of complexity.
The ongoing conflict in Somalia not only restricts access to certain regions but also leads to the displacement of communities, making it difficult for healthcare workers to reach vulnerable populations. The destruction of health infrastructure, disruption of healthcare services, and compromised safety of healthcare workers further contribute to the decline in vaccination coverage.
Additionally, fears, mistrust, and the spread of misinformation in conflict-affected areas undermine the willingness of communities to participate in vaccination programmes. This compounded by interrupted supply chains and political challenges exacerbate the difficulties in planning and executing effective vaccination programs.
However, amidst these challenges, the aspect of language understanding emerges as a significant yet often overlooked barrier to effective vaccination campaigns. Clear and culturally appropriate messaging about polio vaccination in local languages plays a crucial role in building trust, eliminating misconceptions, and encouraging vaccine acceptance within communities. The use of local languages also ensures that healthcare providers can communicate clearly with individuals about the vaccination procedure, potential side effects, and post-vaccination care.
In Somalia, at least 10 distinct languages or dialects are spoken, with Maay being one of them. Although Maay is considered a national language, its primary use in government administration occurs mainly in the Southwest State and extensive regions of Southern Somalia, excluding the capital of Mogadishu. The assumption that familiarity with Maay enables quick adaptation to Mahaatiri has been debunked by research, highlighting the need for targeted communication in local languages.
An important finding is that Maay speakers face challenges in understanding vaccination campaigns conveyed in Mahaatiri, the predominant language used during campaigns. This language barrier not only leads to frustration but also contributes to feelings of marginalization and discrimination among Maay speakers. The historical experiences of discrimination, coupled with the absence of health information in their language, have led to a sense of exclusion and distrust in the public health system.
The research also unveiled that Maay speakers have limited knowledge of polio signs, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures due to the unavailability of information in their language. This deprivation of information has resulted in a reluctance to access health services and a reliance on traditional healing methods, limiting their ability to combat polio effectively.
Evidently, there is a growing call for the dissemination of health information in Maay to increase vaccine uptake and ensure that public health campaigns resonate with all communities. As one study participant rightly put it, “It would be good that people who know my language speak, so that I don’t refuse whatever they do, and that is how I would vaccinate the children, because now, I have no idea what they are talking about.”
As efforts continue to eradicate polio, it is imperative to recognise and address the language barriers that hinder effective communication and access to essential health services, ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey towards a polio-free Somalia.
