AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Somalia’s Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Health, with WHO support, completed a 3-day Ebola readiness simulation in Mogadishu to test detection, verification, reporting, and response across points of entry and referral pathways; Somalia has reported no confirmed Ebola cases. El Niño & Flood Risk: South West State stepped up El Niño preparations in Baidoa, accelerating plans for food and medical stockpiles, public awareness, and coordination with districts and humanitarian partners to protect lives and property. Humanitarian Strain: A new report warns Somalia is nearing “something much worse” as climate shocks drive hunger, while aid cuts and El Niño-linked flood risks threaten families already facing malnutrition and displacement. Security Transition: The US agreed to give the UN another year to wind down support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, extending AUSSOM logistics via UNSOS—leaving long-term stability and medical support for troops uncertain. Pope Calls for Aid: Pope Leo XIV urged international solidarity for Somalia, citing violence and extreme weather worsening conditions for women and children amid reduced UN assistance.

Humanitarian pressure in Somalia: Pope Leo XIV urged international solidarity as violence and extreme weather worsen conditions for women and children, noting UN aid cuts and calling for more assistance. Climate and health preparedness: South West State stepped up El Niño preparations in Baidoa, with plans to stock food and medical supplies and coordinate with humanitarian partners to reduce flood risks. Aid logistics at risk: The US agreed to give the UN another year to wind down support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, extending a drawdown starting January 2027; the UN logistics role includes food, water, fuel, medical services, and troop transport. Security and health access link: Somalia’s defense minister said Somali forces can resist al-Shabab even if AUSSOM withdraws, but uncertainty remains over mission funding and what it means for stability and services. Local health impact from conflict: A former Somali prison chief recounted a reported drone strike on his Doolow residence and said injured people were taken to the district hospital for treatment.

El Niño preparedness in Somalia: South West State leaders met a ministerial committee to speed up contingency plans for heavy rains and flooding, including storage of food and medical supplies and tighter coordination with districts and humanitarian partners. Humanitarian pressure in Somalia: Pope Leo XIV urged international support as violence and extreme weather worsen living conditions, pointing to major cuts in UN and food assistance and MSF calls to restore malnutrition services in Mudug. Health system disruption from floods: Reports say El Niño rains have already flooded areas and disrupted health clinic operations, raising fears for access to care. Security support timeline: The US agreed to give the UN more time to wind down logistical support for AU peacekeepers (AUSSOM), extending drawdown into 2027—an issue that could affect stability and, indirectly, health service delivery. Malnutrition and care gaps: MSF is pushing for malnutrition treatment to be restored across Mudug after closures of many health facilities. Maternal health research: A Mogadishu study highlights barriers to antenatal care use and maternal satisfaction, underscoring ongoing gaps in women’s access to quality services. Somalia–Azerbaijan cooperation: Somalia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan discussed stronger development ties in health, education, technology, and agriculture, alongside scholarship support.

Somalia Health & Security: The U.S. has agreed to give the UN another year to wind down support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, with a 12-month drawdown of UNSOS logistics support starting in January 2027—raising concerns that AUSSOM’s fight against al-Shabaab could be disrupted if medical, fuel, water and troop transport backing is reduced too quickly. El Niño Disruption: El Niño rains have already flooded parts of Mogadishu, disrupting health clinic operations and adding pressure to an overstretched system. Malnutrition Care: MSF is calling for malnutrition treatment to be restored across Mudug, warning that gaps in care can quickly turn acute hunger into long-term harm. Maternal Health Data: A new Mogadishu study highlights antenatal care use, maternal satisfaction, and access barriers—useful for targeting improvements in women’s health services. Health System Capacity: A cross-sectional look at clinical epidemiology in Somalia points to challenges and opportunities for strengthening health data and decision-making. Aid & Health Links: Somalia and Azerbaijan discussed stronger development cooperation, including health, education and institutional capacity building.

El Niño & Health Services: Heavy rains linked to El Niño have already flooded parts of Mogadishu and disrupted operations at the IRC-supported Ariif Health Centre, with teams assessing damage and whether the facility can keep serving patients as forecasters warn of above-normal rainfall and possible river flooding. Maternal Health in Mogadishu: A new cross-sectional study looks at antenatal care use, maternal satisfaction, and access barriers in Mogadishu, highlighting gaps that can affect outcomes for mothers and babies. Malnutrition Treatment Call: MSF is urging Somalia to restore robust malnutrition treatment across Mudug, warning that care disruptions can worsen child health during high-risk seasons. Security & Care Logistics: The U.S. has agreed to give the UN another year to wind down support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, extending the drawdown into 2027—an issue that could affect medical and logistics backing for security operations. Health System Shock from Flooding: With Somalia’s rainy season peaking in October, the risk of flash flooding threatens already-stretched health services and access to care. Somalia–Turkey Health Support: Somali elders and leaders praised Turkey’s long-running assistance, including healthcare and social services, citing support during past drought and famine.

El Niño flooding hits care in Mogadishu: Heavy rains linked to El Niño have already disrupted services at the IRC-supported Ariif Health Centre, with teams assessing damage and whether the facility can keep treating patients. Forecasters warn of above-normal rainfall across central and southern Somalia, raising fears of flash flooding that could overwhelm an already stretched health system. Malnutrition treatment under strain in Mudug: MSF says malnutrition services in Mudug are failing to keep up, with the inpatient ward at Mudug Regional Hospital operating beyond capacity and children arriving later and sicker after community facilities closed. MSF is urging donors, UN agencies, and health authorities to restore and scale up treatment at general healthcare level. Maternal health access study in Mogadishu: A new cross-sectional study examines antenatal care use, maternal satisfaction, and access barriers in Mogadishu, highlighting gaps that can affect early pregnancy prevention and complication detection. Security funding uncertainty affecting health logistics: The US agreed to give the UN another year to wind down support for African peacekeepers in Somalia, but the future remains unclear; the UN logistics office provides essentials like medical services and troop transport that can indirectly shape stability and access to care. Health-related diplomacy: Somalia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan highlighted cooperation in health and other sectors during an AIDA anniversary event, signaling continued interest in rebuilding capacity.

Maternal Health & Clinics: El Niño-linked heavy rains are already disrupting Mogadishu care, with IRC teams assessing damage to the Ariif Health Centre and warning that flash flooding could surge into dozens of towns as rainfall chances stay very high. Malnutrition Treatment: MSF is urging donors and health authorities to restore and scale up malnutrition services in Mudug after inpatient wards ran beyond capacity and children are arriving later and sicker. Antenatal Care Research: A new Mogadishu study examines antenatal care use, maternal satisfaction, and access barriers—highlighting where pregnancy services are falling short. Peacekeeping & Health Logistics: The US has agreed to give the UN another year to wind down support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, a move that could affect medical services and troop transport that rely on UN logistics. Humanitarian Support for Troops: A new USO space opened in Kismayo, offering recreation and off-duty support for troops involved in operations against al-Shabab, alongside base reinforcement exercises. Somalia–Turkey Cooperation: Somali elders and leaders continue praising Turkey’s long-running support across humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

El Niño Floods Disrupt Care in Mogadishu: Heavy rains linked to El Niño have already affected the IRC-supported Ariif Health Centre, with forecasters warning of above-normal rainfall and possible river flooding that could overwhelm an already stretched health system. Malnutrition Treatment Under Strain in Mudug: MSF says malnutrition services have closed across Mudug, forcing children to arrive later and sicker; it reports inpatient and outpatient admissions far above last year, urging donors and health authorities to restore treatment at general healthcare level. Maternal Health Access in Mogadishu: A new cross-sectional study examines antenatal care use, satisfaction, and barriers to access in Mogadishu, highlighting gaps that can raise risks for mothers and newborns. Somalia–Turkey Solidarity: Somali elders and communities praised Turkey’s humanitarian and health support, including during the 2011 famine, as demonstrations of gratitude continue across Somalia. Health System Capacity Focus: Somalia is also holding national discussions on improving quality of healthcare, alongside calls to strengthen clinical epidemiology and training in low-resource settings.

El Niño Floods Disrupt Care in Mogadishu: Heavy rains linked to El Niño have already affected the IRC-supported Ariif Health Centre, with teams assessing damage and whether services can continue as above-normal rainfall risk rises. Malnutrition Treatment Under Strain in Mudug: MSF says malnutrition services have closed across Mudug, forcing children to arrive at Mudug Regional Hospital later and sicker; it reports inpatient wards running beyond capacity (1,300+ admissions in the first half of 2026) and calls for donors and health authorities to restore and scale up treatment. Health System Pressure from Yemen Displacement: UNHCR warns that fighting in Yemen has displaced 100,000+ people inside Yemen and pushed thousands to cross to Djibouti, with urgent needs including shelter, clean water, healthcare, and protection. Public Health Governance Focus: A Somalia-focused discussion highlights the need to strengthen clinical epidemiology and health systems for resilient, equitable care delivery amid communicable disease, maternal/child mortality, and malnutrition burdens.

Malnutrition in Mudug: Médecins Sans Frontières says malnutrition treatment is collapsing at general healthcare level in Somalia’s Mudug region, with its Galkayo inpatient ward running beyond capacity and many children arriving after failing care closer to home. Refugee health pressure from Yemen: UNHCR reports renewed fighting in Yemen has displaced 100,000+ people inside the country and pushed thousands to Djibouti, with women, children and elderly making up over 60% of sea arrivals—raising urgent needs for shelter, clean water, healthcare and protection. Measles risk rising: WHO estimates measles cases are up about 8% globally versus pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with nearly 11 million expected infections in 2026 and the biggest burden in Africa and Asia. Flood preparedness for Somalia: Somalia’s disaster agencies are stepping up early warning and emergency planning ahead of the October–December Deyr rains, warning vulnerable communities to prepare for potentially heavy El Niño-linked rainfall. Health system capacity building: A Somalia-focused piece highlights the challenge of strengthening clinical epidemiology and health-system research in a fragile setting, calling for better training and support for resilient, equitable care.

Malnutrition Care in Mudug: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says malnutrition treatment is being shut out at general health facilities across Somalia’s Mudug region, forcing children to arrive at Galkayo in critical condition; MSF reports inpatient and outpatient malnutrition caseloads have surged since early 2026, with many children first turned away due to missing medication or therapeutic milk. Somalia Health Systems & Training: A new focus on strengthening clinical epidemiology and medical education in low-resource settings highlights Somalia’s gaps in research capacity, health data use, and training support, including how to use AI responsibly in student learning. UNHCR Displacement Pressure (Yemen–Djibouti): UNHCR warns that renewed fighting along Yemen’s western coast has displaced over 100,000 people inside Yemen and pushed thousands more to cross to Djibouti, with urgent needs for shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection. Polio & Measles Alerts: WHO estimates measles cases are rising again globally, and WHO has extended its global emergency status for poliovirus—both signals for vaccination and outbreak readiness. AU Support Uncertainty: Reports say the U.S. is offering a UNSOS drawdown plan that could reduce logistical and medical supplies supporting AU peacekeeping in Somalia, raising concerns for stability-linked health access.

Yemen Displacement & Health Needs: UNHCR says fighting in Yemen has displaced over 100,000 people inside the country and pushed thousands more to cross to Djibouti, with urgent needs including shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection as humanitarian access gets harder. Somalia Health System Focus: A new review highlights Somalia’s public health strain from conflict, weak governance, displacement, and climate shocks, calling for stronger disease surveillance and more resilient, equitable healthcare delivery. Somalia Flood Preparedness: Somalia is stepping up emergency planning ahead of the Deyr rains, strengthening early warning and flood response with local and international partners as El Niño-linked heavy rainfall is a concern. Medical Care Access (Somalia): Qatar Charity launched a “Creating Smiles” initiative offering free cleft lip and palate treatment for 72 Somali patients, partnering with Somalia’s health ministry and Well Care Specialised Hospital. Global Measles Warning: WHO estimates measles cases are up 8% globally versus pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with vaccination and access to care critical to prevent severe complications. Medical Education & AI (Somalia): A framework argues AI in medical student education can help in low-resource settings like Somalia, but must be implemented carefully with reliability, fairness, and ethics in mind. Currency Reform (Somalia): A proposal urges Somalia to move toward a US-dollar-anchored currency board only after reserves, banking systems, operations, and public trust are independently verified.

Child Health & Fraud: U.S. prosecutors charged 12 home daycare operators in San Diego in a “ghost daycare” scheme allegedly siphoning over $10M in childcare subsidies by submitting false attendance records—defendants include people originally from Somalia and others. Global Measles Watch: WHO estimates measles cases are up 8% globally versus pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with nearly 11M expected infections in 2026 and higher risks for undernourished people. Somalia Flood Readiness: Somalia’s environment and disaster agencies met partners to strengthen early warning and emergency plans ahead of the Deyr rains, citing El Niño-linked heavy rainfall risk. Somalia Care Access: Qatar Charity launched “Creating Smiles” to provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries for 72 Somali patients with support from Somalia’s health ministry and Well Care Hospital. Regional Displacement & Health Pressure: Yemen fighting has displaced 100,000+ people and pushed thousands toward Djibouti; UN agencies warn of urgent needs like shelter, clean water, health care, and protection. Sports Medicine: A fifth Arab Military Seminar on Sports Medicine convened in Doha with Somalia among participating countries.

Cleft care in focus: Qatar Charity launched “Creating Smiles” with Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Well Care Specialised Hospital, offering free cleft lip and palate surgery for 72 children and adults, easing a major financial barrier for families. Flood risk planning: Somalia’s disaster agency SoDMA warned that the 2026 Deyr rains could bring riverine and flash flooding, flagging 29 high-risk districts across 14 regions and urging early community preparation. Health system resilience: A new public health overview highlights Somalia’s fragile healthcare capacity amid conflict, outbreaks (cholera, TB, measles, malaria) and rising non-communicable diseases, calling for stronger, more equitable service delivery. Medical outreach with clean water: Kenya Defence Forces personnel under AUSSOM provided treatment for common ailments and health education in Hoosingo, plus clean drinking water to households facing shortages. Regional health training: Somalia participated in Doha’s Fifth Arab Military Sports Medicine seminar, supporting military fitness and cooperation between medical and sports departments. Migration and health access: IOM helped repatriate 171 Somali migrants from Libya, with returnees receiving immediate post-arrival assistance after exploitation and abuse. Public health and peacekeeping logistics: Reporting notes the U.S. plans to cut support for UNSOS, which supplies logistics and medical items for AU peacekeeping—raising concerns for stability-linked health support.

Cleft Care in Somalia: Qatar Charity launched “Creating Smiles” with Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Well Care Specialised Hospital to give free cleft lip and palate treatment to 72 children and adults, including corrective surgery and follow-up care. Flood Risk Watch: Somalia’s disaster agency SoDMA warned that the 2026 Deyr rains (Oct–Dec) could bring heavier flooding under Super El Niño, flagging 29 high-risk districts across 14 regions for riverine and flash floods. Migrant Health & Safety: IOM repatriated 171 Somali migrants stranded in Libya, including three minors, with immediate post-arrival assistance after reports of exploitation and abuse. Community Health & Water: Kenya Defence Forces working with AUSSOM delivered medical outreach and clean drinking water in Hoosingo, plus hygiene and disease-prevention education. Sports Medicine Training: Somalia joined the fifth Arab Military Sports Medicine seminar in Doha, supporting military fitness and medical-sports cooperation. Healthcare System Pressure: Somalia’s House of the People suspended a monthly $100 deduction from lawmakers’ salaries tied to an MPs’ welfare fund, shifting to a one-time $200 funeral/condolence support model. Regional Security Impact: South West State warned civilians to avoid areas held by Laftagareen-aligned forces or al-Shabaab, as airstrikes hit Baidoa outskirts.

Flood Preparedness: Somalia’s Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) warns of higher risk of Deyr season flooding, naming 29 districts across 14 regions vulnerable to riverine and flash floods, and urges communities to prepare early. Healthcare Quality: Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Human Services, with the International Rescue Committee, convened stakeholders to push a unified national system for monitoring and improving healthcare quality and patient safety, with focus on maternal and newborn care. Higher Education & Health Capacity: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud opened the 2026–27 higher education year in Mogadishu, launching the ABUUR innovation initiative and inaugurating new university facilities including an Arab health affairs centre and an emergency/critical care centre. Livestock Health: Kenya reported African Swine Fever killing over 1,470 pigs in Kiambu since mid-May and confirmed outbreaks in six additional counties, stepping up surveillance and cross-border movement controls. Humanitarian Support: Qatar Charity said it delivered about QR809 million in humanitarian and development aid from January to July 2026, reaching over 10 million people across 44 countries, including Somalia. Sports Medicine Training: Somalia participated in a Doha seminar on Arab military sports medicine, aimed at improving fitness and strengthening links between military medical academies and sports programs.