WHO/EMRO Delegation Visits Somalia’s National Institute of Health to Review Ebola Preparedness and Strengthen Health Emergency Response
Mogadishu, Somalia: A high-level delegation from the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO/EMRO), accompanied by officials from the WHO Somalia Health Emergencies Program, conducted a working visit to the National Institute of Health (NIH) to review Somalia’s preparedness for Ebola and strengthen collaboration on national health security. The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies through strengthened national systems and strategic partnerships. During the meeting, technical discussions focused on Somalia’s Ebola preparedness, including a comprehensive review of the Ebola Response Pillars, assessment of current preparedness capacities, and priorities for strengthening coordination, operational readiness, and emergency response mechanisms. The delegation received a detailed briefing from Dr. Hussein Abukar Muhiadin, Director General of the National Institute of Health and Chair of the National Ebola Preparedness and Prevention Committee. He presented an overview of Somalia’s current preparedness status, highlighted priority public health threats affecting the country and the region, and outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance, emergency preparedness, and national response capacities. Dr. Hussein reaffirmed the Government of Somalia’s commitment to working closely with WHO and all health partners to advance national health security and build resilient systems capable of responding effectively to future public health emergencies. Key areas of discussion included strengthening disease surveillance, expanding laboratory diagnostic capacity, improving health information and data management, enhancing coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC), reinforcing community engagement and risk communication, strengthening border health services, and ensuring the availability of essential emergency preparedness supplies. As part of the mission, the delegation visited De Martino Hospital, where they toured the infectious diseases wards, including the unit caring for more than 60 patients diagnosed with diphtheria. The team assessed clinical services and reviewed the implementation of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, recognizing their critical role in reducing healthcare-associated infections and limiting disease transmission within health facilities. The delegation also visited the National Public Health Laboratory, where they observed laboratory diagnostic capabilities and the systems used for detecting and confirming priority diseases. They commended the progress made in strengthening laboratory services, recognizing their essential contribution to disease surveillance and national health security. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate implementation of the Ebola Response Pillars, finalize and operationalize preparedness plans and standard operating procedures, strengthen coordination among national stakeholders, and expand technical collaboration between the National Institute of Health, WHO, and other health partners. The National Institute of Health remains committed to working with national and international partners to build a resilient public health system that protects communities through strong preparedness, rapid detection, and effective response to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
Ebola Preparedness: Strengthening Readiness to Protect Communities Ebola Preparedness: Every Moment Matters
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and often life-threatening illness that can spread rapidly if not detected and controlled early. Although outbreaks are relatively rare, their impact on communities, healthcare systems, and economies can be significant. Preparedness is therefore essential to ensure that countries and health institutions can detect, respond to, and contain outbreaks before they become public health emergencies. Why Preparedness Is Important Effective Ebola preparedness enables health authorities to identify suspected cases quickly, isolate infected individuals, trace contacts, and provide timely medical care. A well-prepared health system reduces the risk of widespread transmission, protects healthcare workers, and reassures the public through coordinated and evidence-based action. Preparedness also strengthens overall health security by improving emergency response systems that can be used for other infectious disease outbreaks. Key Components of Ebola Preparedness Strong disease surveillance systems help identify suspected Ebola cases at the earliest stage. Community reporting, health facility surveillance, and laboratory confirmation are essential for rapid response. Reliable laboratory services are critical for confirming Ebola cases accurately and quickly. Timely testing supports effective case management and prevents unnecessary delays in response efforts. Healthcare facilities should maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, including: Proper hand hygieneAppropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)Safe waste managementEnvironmental cleaning and disinfectionSafe isolation procedures Regular training and simulation exercises ensure healthcare workers are prepared to recognize Ebola symptoms, safely manage patients, and protect themselves from infection. Communities play a vital role in preventing Ebola transmission. Providing accurate, timely, and culturally appropriate information helps build trust, reduce misinformation, and encourage early reporting of symptoms. Points of entry, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings, should have screening procedures, reporting mechanisms, and referral systems to identify travelers who may require further assessment while maintaining compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR). A coordinated national response involving public health authorities, laboratories, healthcare facilities, humanitarian partners, and local communities ensures rapid decision-making and efficient resource mobilization during an outbreak. How Communities Can Help Everyone has a role in preventing Ebola. Community members should: Report suspected cases promptly to health authorities.Avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of sick individuals.Follow guidance from public health officials.Practice regular hand hygiene.Seek medical care immediately if symptoms develop after possible exposure.Rely on information from trusted health authorities rather than rumors or misinformation.Building a Safer Future Preparedness is the foundation of effective outbreak response. Investing in surveillance, laboratory systems, trained health professionals, community engagement, and emergency coordination enables countries to detect threats early and respond swiftly. By working together, governments, healthcare workers, partners, and communities can strengthen resilience against Ebola and other emerging public health threats. Preparedness today saves lives tomorrow.
Director General of the National Institute of Health Conducts Official Visit to the National Commission for Refugees and IDPs
Mogadishu, Somalia – The Director General of the National Institute of Health (NIH), Dr. Hussein Abukar Muhidine, paid an official working visit to the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI), where he was warmly received by the Chairperson of the Commission, Mr. Libaan Abdi Igaal. The Director General was accompanied by NIH departmental directors and senior advisors. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in delivering essential health services to Somali citizens returning to the country, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs). Discussions focused on enhancing coordination in border health services, improving health screening procedures at points of entry, and strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms to address the health needs of returning Somali nationals entering through the country’s official border crossings. During the meeting, both institutions agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee to accelerate planning, implementation, and monitoring of health interventions for returning Somali citizens and internally displaced populations. This partnership is expected to reinforce public health protection and ensure that returnees and displaced communities have timely access to quality, coordinated healthcare services upon arrival and throughout their reintegration. Dr. Hussein Abukar Muhidine expressed his sincere appreciation to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Refugees and IDPs for the warm welcome and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening inter-institutional collaboration to ensure returning Somali citizens receive prompt, high-quality, and well-coordinated health services. In his closing remarks, the Director General reaffirmed the National Institute of Health’s commitment to working closely with the National Commission to translate the agreed priorities into practical action, ensuring that health interventions effectively respond to the needs of returning Somali citizens and internally displaced persons across the country. The meeting marks an important step toward strengthening national coordination and advancing Somalia’s commitment to protecting public health through integrated, people-centered services for vulnerable populations.
