By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Switzerland, 21 May 2026 – Somalia said access to primary healthcare services rose from 42% in 2020 to over 65% in 2025, marking a major improvement in the country’s health sector.
The figures were announced by Somalia’s Health Minister, Ali Haji Adam, during his address to the 79th World Health Assembly on Wednesday.
Adam said the expansion of healthcare services formed part of the government's efforts to strengthen the country’s health system and improve access to essential care.
The increase means that millions of Somalis now have greater access to healthcare services than they did five years ago, as the country continues rebuilding a health system long affected by conflict, natural disasters and limited investment.
Somalia also said childhood immunization coverage had reached nearly 70%, while disease surveillance and digital health systems had been expanded to cover 98% of health facilities nationwide.
The government said the improvement in healthcare access was driven by investment in primary healthcare, expansion of maternal and child health services, and efforts to strengthen health infrastructure across the country.
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Somalia also reported establishing its first national vaccine cold-chain centre in Mogadishu and strengthening pharmaceutical regulation following the passage of the Somali Medicines Law by the federal parliament.
In his speech, the minister said the National Health Professionals Council had been activated to improve regulation and professional standards for healthcare workers in line with international governance practices.
Despite the progress, the government said maternal and child mortality rates remain high, while droughts, floods, insecurity and funding shortages continue to place significant pressure on the health sector.
Somalia said it had responded to these challenges through reforms aimed at strengthening health governance, service planning and domestic financing for healthcare.
The government also called on World Health Organization member states and international partners to increase investment in resilient health systems, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
The meeting brought together delegations from WHO member states to discuss global health issues and the development of health services worldwide.