Egypt Offers Support to Somalia in Health Sector Development

Meeting between Health Ministers of Egypt and Somalia.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population, welcomed Dr. Ali Haji Adam, the Minister of Health and Social Care of Somalia, accompanied by Somali Ambassador to Cairo Ali Abdi Awari and his delegation.

This meeting aimed to enhance mutual cooperation and exchange expertise across various health sectors, reflecting both countries’ commitment to expanding their partnership in healthcare.

During the discussions, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the strong ties between Egypt and Somalia, reiterating Egypt’s readiness to support its Somali counterparts through expertise sharing and capacity building to improve health services and address health challenges.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, noted that the meeting focused on cooperation mechanisms in pharmaceuticals, technical expertise exchange, export opportunities, as well as expanding collaboration in early detection programs and treatment for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Additionally, they discussed enhancing epidemic surveillance systems and rapid response capabilities for health emergencies.

The Egyptian minister also presented an upcoming national platform for health tourism aimed at establishing Egypt as a leading regional destination in this sector. They agreed to expand training grants for Somali professionals through the Egyptian Fellowship Program and enhance cooperation in continuing medical education and human capacity development.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar proposed organizing a visit for the Somali minister and his delegation to Akdima Group’s manufacturing facilities to observe Egypt’s pharmaceutical production capabilities and explore collaboration opportunities to meet Somalia’s healthcare needs.

Attendees from the Egyptian side included Dr. Mohamed Hassany, Assistant Minister for Public Health Initiatives; Dr. Mohamed Gad, Advisor to the Minister for External Health Relations; Dr. Hind Ashour, Director General of the General Administration of Pharmacists; Dr. Suzanne Zanati, Director General of External Health Relations; and Dr. Azza Galal, Director of Therapeutic Care at the General Nursing Administration.

From the Somali side, participants included Mahmoud Adawi, Chairman of the National Council for Health Professions; Mohamed Hussein, Director of Erdogan Government Hospital; Farah Mohamed, Head of the Drug Authority; and Shafi Osman, Director of the Minister’s Office.