Geneva (SONNA) – The Federal Government of Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare hosted a groundbreaking international event in Geneva, for the first time on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78). This significant forum meticulously analyzed Somalia’s evolving role in advancing public health care.
Under the unifying theme, “The Somali Health and Social Welfare Forum: A Global Partnership for Health and Social Development,” the gathering served as a pivotal platform. It convened an impressive array of high-level international leaders, distinguished representatives from global health agencies, vital donors, and dedicated development partners engaged in Somalia.
The esteemed roster of attendees included Dr. Ali Haji Adam, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the Federal Government of Somalia; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; Ms. Khadra Ahmed Dualle, Ambassador of Somalia to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations. Also present were Health Ministers from several of Somalia’s partner countries, Luc Leviolette, Head of GFF/World Bank; Dr. Hannan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for EMRO; Dr. Guuled Abdijalil, Director General of the Ministry of Health of the Federal Republic of Somalia; Magdalina Roberts, Deputy Director of the Gates Foundation; and senior members of the Somali ministerial delegation attending WHA78, alongside various international partners and representatives from numerous international organizations.
In a comprehensive address, Minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam Abubakar passionately articulated the urgent need for robust health financing in Somalia. He underscored the critical requirement for serious international support to ensure the delivery of sustainable and equitable health services, ultimately guiding the Somali community towards a healthy future.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, conveyed his profound appreciation and strong encouragement to the Federal Government of Somalia, particularly commending the Ministry of Health. He acknowledged the significant progress and sustained efforts being made to enhance health services across the nation. Dr. Tedros further emphasized the paramount importance of supporting these endeavors at the international level, crucial for fostering sustainable development throughout the country.
The Federal Ministry of Health, under the astute leadership of Minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam, reiterated its compelling call to the international community. The Ministry urged comprehensive backing for its ongoing initiatives to fortify the health system, recognizing its pivotal role not only for health security within Somalia but for the broader region as well.
