Geneva (SONNA) – Dr. Ali Haaji Aaden, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare for the Federal Republic of Somalia, recently held a significant meeting in Geneva with a senior official from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Somalia joined the IAEA in 2024, marking a new chapter for the nation’s health development.
The high-level discussion centered on bolstering health cooperation between Somalia and the IAEA, with a primary focus on enhancing cancer services from early diagnosis to advanced treatment. A key part of the talks involved exploring the use of radiation and nuclear technologies to introduce modern cancer diagnosis and treatment options within Somalia.
Minister Aaden shared Somalia’s ambitious plans, including the proposed establishment of the National Cancer Institute (SNCI). He also highlighted the importance of supporting the National Plan for the Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) for 2024–2029, initiatives seen as crucial for the overall advancement of health services across the country.
This meeting demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships and modern technologies in its fight against cancer. It is anticipated that this collaboration will significantly boost Somalia’s capacity to combat the disease through state-of-the-art health solutions.
Attendees at the meeting included Ms. Khadra Ahmed Dualle, the Somali Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the UN in International Organizations, and Dr. Guuleed Abdijaliil, the Director General of the Ministry of Health of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
This engagement is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration between the Somali Ministry of Health and the IAEA, aiming to further improve cancer detection, treatment, and prevention services in Somalia in the near future.
