Mogadishu, 18 August 2026 – The Minister of Health and Social Services of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Dr. Ali Haji Adam, today officially launched the Somalia Pandemic Fund Project, a major initiative aimed at strengthening Somalia’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, detect, and respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
The launch ceremony was attended by the State Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Maryan Mohamed Hussein; the Director General of the National Institute of Health, Dr. Hussein Muhyadin; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Hamse Hadaw; the Director General of the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range, Dr. Guled Abdijaliil; Directors of Departments; representatives from the Federal Member States; the World Bank; United Nations agencies; Africa CDC; IGAD; civil society organizations; and other key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the project.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Mogadishu, the Minister stated that the project is the result of sustained planning, consultation, and collaboration between the Federal Government of Somalia, international institutions, and health sector partners to strengthen a health system capable of effectively responding to emerging public health threats.
The Minister emphasized that Somalia is placing greater priority on prevention and preparedness for health emergencies, rather than waiting for outbreaks or pandemics to occur before taking action. He highlighted the importance of investing in and strengthening national preparedness capacities to protect public health and build a more resilient health system.
The Somalia Pandemic Fund Project will focus on strengthening national capacities for disease surveillance and detection, laboratory systems, early warning mechanisms, health information sharing, institutional coordination, and emergency response. The project will also contribute to strengthening collaboration among different levels of government and health sector partners.
The launch of the project marks an important milestone in Somalia’s efforts to strengthen national health security and build a resilient health system capable of responding rapidly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner to infectious disease outbreaks, pandemics, and other public health emergencies.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services will continue to advance national health preparedness efforts by strengthening collaboration among government institutions, international organizations, and health sector partners, with the aim of ensuring sustainable health security and protection for the Somali people.
