Kigali, Rwanda (SONNA) – The Deputy Minister of Health of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Mohamed Hassan Mohamed, joined global health leaders at the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC 2025) in Kigali, Rwanda. The high-level summit, attended by 15,000 delegates from across the world, focused on strengthening health systems, advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and addressing critical health challenges facing the African continent.
The conference brought together representatives from Ministries of Health, international organizations, and health experts to discuss innovative solutions for improving healthcare delivery and achieving sustainable health development. For Somalia, the summit provided a platform to highlight the country’s commitment to rebuilding its health system and collaborating with regional and global partners to achieve UHC by 2030.
In his address, Deputy Minister Mohamed Hassan Mohamed emphasized Somalia’s dedication to strengthening its health policies and building resilient systems capable of meeting the growing needs of its population. He underscored the importance of investing in healthcare workers as a cornerstone of health development, stating, “Strengthening health policies is essential to building sustainable systems that can meet the needs of the community. Investing in health workers is equally critical for achieving long-term progress.”
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Somali government, international organizations, and development partners in driving health improvements. He called for the establishment of modern health systems that are responsive to the evolving demands of society.
“Cooperation between the government, partners, and international organizations is key to improving health outcomes. We must build systems that address the growing needs of our communities and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all,” he said.
Mr. Mohamed also emphasized Africa’s role in shaping global health policies, advocating for increased representation and influence in international decision-making processes. “Africa must strengthen its voice in the global health architecture. Our continent has a vital role to play in shaping policies that impact our people,” he added.
The AHAIC 2025 conference comes at a critical time for Somalia and the African continent, as nations grapple with ongoing health challenges, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate-related health risks, and the need for stronger health infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Somalia remains committed to working alongside other African nations to promote equitable and inclusive health systems.
The Deputy Minister’s participation in the summit reflects Somalia’s determination to contribute to a sustainable health future for its citizens and the continent at large. As the country continues to rebuild and strengthen its health sector, such international engagements are seen as vital steps toward achieving lasting progress and ensuring health equity for all.
The Africa Health Agenda International Conference concluded with a renewed commitment from participating nations to accelerate efforts toward achieving UHC and building resilient health systems across the continent. Somalia’s active involvement in the summit signals its readiness to collaborate with regional and global partners to overcome health challenges and secure a healthier future for its people.