By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Mogadishu, 19 August 2026 Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social Care Dr. Ali Haji Adam on Tuesday launched a $5 million Pandemic Fund project in Mogadishu aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.
Ali said Somalia secured the funding after submitting a proposal in 2022. It is among seven African countries to receive support from the fund.
“Today we have a historic opportunity to build our national health security system,” Ali said, adding the money would support efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to outbreaks.
The project will focus on three areas: disease surveillance and detection, strengthening laboratories, and developing the health workforce.
The ministry said surveillance systems would be upgraded to enable rapid detection of unusual health events and ensure quick referral to investigation and response teams. National and central laboratories will also be equipped to confirm suspected diseases faster.
Health workers, including specialists in disease surveillance, laboratory services, veterinary health and environmental health, will be trained as part of the project.
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Ali called for stronger implementation of the One Health approach, which links human, animal and environmental health, saying infectious diseases “do not remain confined to a single sector.”
Dr. Hussein Abukar Mohamud, Director General of the National Institute of Health, said Somalia qualified for the funding on its third attempt after missing out in the first two rounds. He thanked government institutions and partners for their role in preparing the proposal.
The project will involve partners including FAO, UNICEF and the World Bank, and will build on emergency health infrastructure previously established in the country, Hussein said.
Ali said the initiative would not be limited to one region and would strengthen systems nationwide. He added that Somalia was seeking international cooperation, not permanent dependence, with the goal of building self-reliance.
The government said the project is intended to improve preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.