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MOGADISHU, 20 October 2026 Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social Care, Ali Haji Aden, on Tuesday called on the private sector to move beyond donations and emergency relief and become a long-term partner in building the national health system.
Speaking at the opening of the Somali Achievers Awards (BGS26) in Mogadishu, Aden said businesses should help develop a system that is high-quality, equitable and financially sustainable.
“The future of health in Somalia cannot be built by the Ministry of Health alone,” he said.
The annual awards are organised by Hormuud Telecom, Somalia’s largest telecommunications company, founded in 2002 and operator of the EVC Plus mobile money service. This year’s edition focuses on health under the theme “Towards a Healthier Somalia – Progress, Challenges & Future Pathways,” recognising individuals and institutions that have contributed to the sector.
Aden urged large companies, particularly Hormuud, to increase investment in health innovation, digital health, professional training, research and services for vulnerable communities.
He said technology, telecommunications and modern financial services could improve access to healthcare in remote areas, adding that the ministry was ready to work with businesses, universities and research institutions.
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“Investment in health is not simply an expense; it is the most valuable investment that can be made in the nation’s future,” he said.
The minister cited progress in primary healthcare, childhood immunisation, disease surveillance and regulation of medicines and health professionals, despite conflict, drought, epidemics and economic hardship.
He also acknowledged challenges including limited access to quality services, shortages of health workers, inadequate sustainable financing and disparities between urban and rural communities.
“True success is not only how many hospitals we build, but how many lives we save, how many mothers we protect from preventable death,” he said.
The speech did not specify funding targets, timelines or mechanisms for the proposed partnerships, provide figures to substantiate the progress cited, or indicate whether Hormuud had made any new commitments.