Mogadishu (SD) – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the killing of two polio vaccinators in Mogadishu today.

A statement from UNICEF Somalia Country Director Jesper Moller said UNICEF was shocked by the killing of two vaccination staff members on duty.

“UNICEF is shocked by the attack earlier today in Mogadishu, in which two humanitarian workers tragically lost their lives. These brave polio workers were on the frontlines, risking their lives to provide critical health services to vulnerable children. We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.” Said the statement.

The statement said UNICEF strongly condemned the cowardly attack on staff and called on the Somali government to conduct a full investigation.

“Attacks on health workers are a violation of international law and must not be tolerated. UNICEF condemns the cowardly attack in the strongest terms and calls on the authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Humanitarian workers should never be a target.” UNICEF said.

Kahda district official, and another accomplice, who were conducting a vaccination campaign in the area were shot dead today.