MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Council of Ministers has approved the formation of a multi-ministerial national committee to strengthen preparedness for the risks posed by Ebola. The move is intended to coordinate government efforts and reduce the possibility of the virus reaching the country, following Kenya’s confirmation of its first case.
The decision followed a review by the Ministry of Health and Social Care of the outbreak situation and the measures needed to prevent the virus from reaching Somalia. Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Haji Abdi was appointed to chair the committee, which will coordinate preparedness efforts among the relevant government bodies.
The committee comprises the Ministries of Health, Security, Foreign Affairs, Transport, Information, and Livestock. Its composition is intended to facilitate coordination on prevention, health surveillance, and responses to potential risks, while strengthening communication and information-sharing among the institutions involved.
Alongside the formation of the committee, Somali health authorities have deployed staff at Mogadishu airport to monitor arriving travellers. The measure forms part of precautionary efforts to identify potential health risks and strengthen early response.
Somalia’s move comes as authorities monitor health developments across the region and highlights the importance of intergovernmental coordination and advance preparedness in addressing infectious diseases. Monitoring outbreak developments and exchanging information through official channels remain essential to supporting prevention and reducing the risk of transmission.
Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia