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MOGADISHU, Somalia, 20 October 2026 Hormuud Telecom chairman Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf has called for collective action to strengthen Somalia’s health sector, urging businesses, medical professionals and other stakeholders to work together to improve services and expand specialist treatment.
Speaking at the opening of the Somali Achievers Awards (BGS26) in Mogadishu, on Tuesday, Yusuf said Somalia had made progress in rebuilding its health system after years of conflict, including the construction of hospitals and the efforts of medical professionals who continued to serve communities despite difficult conditions.
He congratulated Somali doctors and healthcare workers for their role in rebuilding the sector, but said further work was needed to ensure the country could meet more of its population’s medical needs.
“Faanoole fari kama qodna,” Yusuf said, using a Somali proverb meaning that much work remains to be done despite progress.
Yusuf also highlighted the financial burden of supporting Somalis who travel abroad for medical treatment, saying Hormuud and its charitable arm, Salaam Foundation, spend substantial amounts assisting people who need healthcare outside the country.
He did not disclose the amount spent on such assistance or the number of people supported.
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The chairman said it was troubling that some Somalis felt they had to seek treatment abroad rather than rely on services available in their own country. He called for stronger domestic healthcare capacity so patients could access more specialised services at home.
Yusuf urged stakeholders to coordinate efforts to improve healthcare planning, strengthen medical services and develop specialist hospitals. He said hospitals should be equipped to provide dedicated treatment in different medical fields rather than offering only limited services.
His remarks highlighted a challenge facing Somalia’s healthcare sector: the need to expand specialised services and improve access to treatment so that more patients can receive care within the country. His speech, however, did not provide figures on how many Somalis travel abroad for treatment or identify the specific medical services most commonly sought overseas.
The annual BGS awards, organised by Hormuud Telecom, are dedicated to health this year under the theme “Towards a Healthier Somalia – Progress, Challenges & Future Pathways.” The event recognises individuals and institutions that have contributed to the sector.
Yusuf reaffirmed Hormuud’s support for Somalia’s healthcare sector and encouraged medical professionals and other stakeholders to continue working together to improve services.
His remarks did not include specific funding targets, implementation timelines or new financial commitments for the proposed efforts.