Ministry of Health (Somaliland)

Republic of Somaliland
Ministry of Health Development
Wasaaradda Horumarinta Caafimaadka Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland
Coat of arms of Somaliland
Ministry overview
Formed1991 (1991)
JurisdictionSomaliland
HeadquartersHargeisa, Maroodi Jeh, Somaliland
Minister responsible
Ministry executives
  • [Vice Minister Zamzam Mohamed Salah
  • Head Director Dr.Ahmed Zaki Mohamoud Jama
Websitesomalilandmohd.com

The Ministry of Health Development of the Republic of Somaliland (MoHD, Somali: Wasaaradda Horumarinta Caafimaadka Somaliland) (Arabic: وزارة الصحة) is a ministry of government of Somaliland that is responsible for health system, it's also responsible for proposing and executing government policy of health.

Overview

The Ministry of Health has existed since Somaliland regained its independence in 1991.[1] By 1995 at the latest, it was known as the Ministry of Health and Labour (MOHL, Somali: Wasaaradda Caafimaadka iyo Shaqada).[2] In July 2010, the Ministry of Labor became independent, and it was renamed the Ministry of Health (MOH, Somali: Wasaaradda Caafimaadka.) In 2018, it became the Ministry of Health Development (MoHD, Somali: Wasaaradda Horumarinta Caafimaadka).[3]

History

As of July 1992, it was reported that Somaliland had failed to establish an administration, including a health system, as a result of frequent cabinet reshuffles, internal factional infighting, and the lack of international recognition.[4]

In 1999, the Parliament of Somaliland passed a law for the establishment of the National Health Professionals Commission (NHPC).[5]

In June 2000, a consultation meeting was held in Hargeisa, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Health, international NGOs, and regional health committees to discuss the implementation of regional health plans.[6]

In 2011, UNICEF and the World Health Organization, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, reached over 325,000 children under the age of five and 250,000 women of child-bearing age in Somaliland through the Child Health Days (CHDs) campaign.[7] This large-scale health initiative was designed to provide a high-impact package of services, including vaccinations against measles and polio, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming tablets, and nutritional screening to combat the effects of severe drought and high malnutrition rates among internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities.[7]

In 2013, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and other partners, established mobile health clinics to serve internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and vulnerable host communities in Somaliland.[8] These mobile units were deployed to provide essential primary healthcare services—including routine medical consultations, safe motherhood programs, communicable disease control, and nutritional support—to populations residing in temporary settlements such as the Mohamed Mooge camp in Hargeisa.[8] By delivering medical care directly to these communities, the initiative significantly reduced the geographical and financial barriers faced by displaced families who previously lacked access to permanent health facilities.[8]

In May 2017, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) officially resumed its medical operations in Somaliland and Somalia, ending a four-year absence that began with its complete withdrawal in 2013 due to severe security threats.[9] The decision to return was driven by overwhelming healthcare needs exacerbated by a severe regional drought, widespread malnutrition, and outbreaks of infectious diseases.[10] In coordination with the Ministry of Health Development, MSF gradually established support for regional hospitals and medical facilities in Somaliland, including cities such as Hargeisa, Burao, Borama, Berbera, and Las Anod, with a primary focus on emergency care, pediatrics, and the treatment of tuberculosis.[11]

In 2019, the Somaliland Ministry of Health Development and the Central Statistics Department, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), concluded data collection for the first nationwide Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey (SLHDS).[12] Published in 2020, this comprehensive study was the first of its kind in the region to provide a nationally representative baseline of vital health indicators across urban, rural, and nomadic populations.[13] The survey gathered critical data on fertility rates, maternal and child mortality, chronic diseases, birth spacing, and gender-based violence, establishing an essential evidence base for policymakers and international organizations to shape future public health strategies and humanitarian responses.[12][13]

In 2021, the Ministry of Health Development, in collaboration with UNFPA, conducted a large-scale follow-up study on the status of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somaliland. The study report recorded testimonies from local community members indicating a significant increase in FGM procedures performed on girls—particularly the Pharaonic type—during school closures and lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the primary factors reported was that the extended school closures led parents and families to perceive there was sufficient time for the girls to recover from the procedure.[14]

Between 2020 and 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted an international medical study known as a cluster randomized trial in Somalia, Kenya, and Guinea. A July 2024 report scientifically demonstrated that clinics where health workers received training in person-centred communication (PCC) successfully achieved a significant reduction in the intention of mothers to have their daughters undergo FGM, compared to clinics without such training.[15] As part of this research, the Somaliland Ministry of Health Development collaborated with the WHO to implement a project aimed at empowering frontline health workers to become "agents of change" towards the eradication of FGM.[16]

In March 2021, the ministry successfully coordinated the arrival of the first shipment of Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines provided through the international COVAX initiative.[17] Following the delivery, the ministry launched a nationwide vaccination rollout that initially prioritized the immunization of frontline healthcare workers, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions, aiming to curb the transmission of the virus and prevent the local healthcare infrastructure from being overwhelmed.[18]

In March 2025, the medication supply for over 2,000 HIV/AIDS patients in Somaliland was jeopardized due to the impact of United States humanitarian aid cuts. The Minister of Health coordinated with international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to secure alternative supply chains.[19]

In April 2025, within the first 100 days of the new administration, the Ministry of Health Development completed several infrastructure projects, including the construction of a general hospital in Da'ar buduq and the installation of an intensive care unit (ICU) at Gabiley General Hospital.[20]

In May 2025, in response to a measles outbreak in several regions of Somaliland, the Minister of Health Development reported to the cabinet and launched an emergency large-scale vaccination campaign targeting children under the age of five.[21]

Departments

  • Admin & Finance Department[22]
  • Human Resource Department[23]
  • Policy, Planning & Strategic Information Department[24]
  • Public Health Department[23]
  • Community Health Services Department[25]
  • Health Services & Hospitals Department[25]
  • Regional Secretariat[26]

Ministers of Health

Image Minister Term start Term end
Abib Diriye Nour (Timacad) 1991[27] 1992[27]
Yasin Haji Mohamoud 1993[27] 1997[27]
Abdi Aw Dahir Mohammed March 1997[28] October 2001[29]
Hassan Ismail Yusuf October 2001[29]
Osman Kassim Kodah July 2003[30][31] June 2006[32]
Abdilahi Husein Iman Darawal June 2006[32] June 2007[32]
Abdi Haybe Mohamed March 2010[33]
Ahmed Hassan Ali (Asowe) March 2010[33] July 2010
Hussein Mohamed Mohamoud (Hog) July 2010 June 2013[34]
Suleiman Haglotosiye June 2013[34] December 2017[35]
Hassan Ismail Yusuf December 2017[35] April 2019[36]
Omar Ali Abdillahi April 2019[36] September 2021[37]
Hassan Mohammed Ali (Gaafaadhi) September 2021[37] January 2025[38]
Hussein Basher Herzi January 2025[38][39] Incumbent

References

  1. ^ Mo Ahmed Jama (2020-12-24). "Magacyada Golihii Wasiirada ee ugu Horeeyey ee Somaliland 1991 iyo kuwii 1993" [Names of Somaliland's First Cabinet in 1991 and That of 1993]. Wargane News (in Somali). Archived from the original on 2021-01-23.
  2. ^ "Somaliland Immigration Law, 1995" (PDF). Somaliland Law.
  3. ^ "Faafinta Xeer-nidaamiyaha Dhismaha Wasaaradaha iyo Hay'adaha Xukuumadda ee Xeer Nidaamiye Lr. 01/2018" [Publication of the Regulation on the Structure of the Ministries and Government Agencies, Regulatory Decree No. 01/2018] (PDF). Somaliland Law (in Somali). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-03-24.
  4. ^ Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (July 1, 1992). "Somalia: Information on the health system". Refworld. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  5. ^ "NHPC Background". National Health Professionals Commission. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  6. ^ "UNICEF Somalia Review June 2000". UNICEF via ReliefWeb. July 7, 2000. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  7. ^ a b "Children in Somaliland" (PDF). UNICEF. December 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  8. ^ a b c "Basic healthcare services for IDPs expanded in Somaliland". ReliefWeb. International Organization for Migration. 4 October 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  9. ^ "Doctors without borders says it plans to return to Somalia". Hiiraan Online. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  10. ^ "Somalia - International Activity Report 2017". Médecins Sans Frontières. August 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  11. ^ "From malnutrition to tuberculosis: responding to needs in North Galkayo". Médecins Sans Frontières. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  12. ^ a b "Somaliland Launches its first Health and Demographic Survey". ReliefWeb. UNFPA. 7 October 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  13. ^ a b "The Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey 2020" (PDF). UNFPA Somalia. October 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  14. ^ Ministry of Health Development (Somaliland) and UNFPA (2021). Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) Study Report (PDF) (Report). Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  15. ^ "Cluster randomised trial of a health system strengthening approach applying person-centred communication to prevent female genital mutilation: a multicountry study". BMJ Open. 14 (7). July 2024. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078771. Retrieved March 15, 2026.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  16. ^ "In Somalia, health workers, girls and women are experts in preventing female genital mutilation". World Health Organization. February 6, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  17. ^ "Somaliland receives first batch of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility". UNICEF Somalia. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  18. ^ "Somaliland rolls out COVID-19 vaccines to protect health workers and vulnerable people". ReliefWeb. World Health Organization. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  19. ^ "Somaliland HIV/AIDS patients at risk as U.S. aid cuts threaten medication access". Hiiraan Online. March 24, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  20. ^ Staff, Standard (March 24, 2025). "The performance of the Somaliland Ministry of Health in the first 100 days". Somaliland Standard. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  21. ^ Staff, FTL (May 20, 2025). "Somaliland launches emergency response to measles outbreak in affected regions". FTL Somalia. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  22. ^ "Admin And Finance". Ministry of Health Development. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  23. ^ a b "Departments". Ministry of Health Development. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  24. ^ "Policy, Planning & Strategic Information". Ministry of Health Development. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  25. ^ a b "Services". Ministry of Health Development. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  26. ^ "Regional Secretariat". Ministry of Health Development. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  27. ^ a b c d "Magacyada Golihii Wasiirada ee ugu Horeeyey ee Somaliland 1991 iyo kuwii 1993" [The Names of the First Council of Ministers of Somaliland in 1991 and those of 1993]. Wargane (in Somali). 24 December 2020. Archived from the original on 23 January 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  28. ^ "Wasiirradii Ugu Cuslaa Cahdigii Xukuumaddii Madaxweyne Cigaal Iyo Baarqabo Siyaasadoodu Aan Masraxa Ka Gudhin" [The most prominent ministers during President Egal's government and politicians whose politics have not faded from the stage]. Qoryaale News (in Somali). 5 February 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  29. ^ a b "UNICEF Somalia Review: October 2001". ReliefWeb. UNICEF. October 2001. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
  30. ^ "Madaxweyne Rayaale Oo Dhammays-Tiray Dhismaha Xukuumaddiisa Cusub: Waxa La Magacaabay 18 Wasiir, 5 Wasiiru-Dawle Iyo 11 Wasiir Ku Xigeen" [President Rayaale Completes Formation of His New Government: 18 Ministers, 5 Deputy Ministers and 11 Assistant Ministers Appointed]. Haatuf (in Somali). 2003-07-04. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  31. ^ "Wax Ka Baro Muwaadin Xukumaddii Ugu Horeysey Ee Madaxweyne Daahir Rayaale Soo Dhisey" [Learn About the First Government Formed by President Dahir Rayale]. Hadhwanaag News (in Somali). 16 August 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  32. ^ a b c "Kobicii Wasaaradda Horumarinta Caafimaadka ee Isdaba-joogay waxa Wiiqi-kara Jidkii Shalay... (Qaybtii 3-aad)" [The continuous growth of the Ministry of Health Development could be weakened by yesterday's path... (Part 3)]. Oodweyne Media (in Somali). 1 July 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  33. ^ a b "Somaliland isku dhaandheyn" [Somaliland cabinet reshuffle]. BBC Somali (in Somali). 23 March 2010. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  34. ^ a b "Somaliland: President Silanyo Unveils A Major Reshuffle To His Cabinet". Midnimo. 25 June 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  35. ^ a b "Breaking: Somaliland's new President names 32-Cabinet ministers". Horn Diplomat. 14 December 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  36. ^ a b "Ministry of Health Development". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 2020-08-03. Retrieved 20 December 2025. Omar Ali Abdillahi (Somali: Cumar Cali Cabdillaahi) is a Somali politician; on 14 April 2019, he was appointed as the Minister of Health of Somaliland.
  37. ^ a b "The New Minister and Vice Minister of MOHD Handover Ceremony". Somaliland Ministry Of Health Development. Ministry Of Health Development. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2025. A handover ceremony was held at the Civil Service Conference Hall where the responsibility of the Ministry of Health Development was handed over to the new Minister Hon. Hassan Gaafaadhi and his Vice Minister Hon. Liban Gahnug by the outgoing former Minister Hon. Omer Ali.
  38. ^ a b "Handing-Over Ceremony of the New Minister of Health Development". Somaliland Ministry Of Health Development. Somaliland Ministry Of Health Development. 23 January 2025. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  39. ^ "Somaliland's New Cabinet: Fresh Faces, Business Ties, and Notable Absences Shape President Cirro's Government". Somaliland Chronicle. 14 December 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
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