The Ambassador of Italy to Somalia, Pier Mario Daccò, together with the Head of AICS Nairobi Office Fabio Minniti, the Minister of Health and Human Services of the Federal State of Somalia Ali Ajhi Adan and the Director of the Ministry of Health and Human Services of Somalia, Dr. Guled Abdijalil Ali, alongside other representatives of key partners and national institutions gathered today at the Federal Ministry of Health in Mogadishu for the official launch of the initiative “Quality and Equal Primary Health Services for all in Somalia” (QEPHS) funded by the Italian cooperation.
The event marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Italy and Somalia, and underscores Italy’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the health sector, with a particular focus on improving the accessibility and quality of services provided within the institutions of the Federal Ministry of Health and placing special attention on the most vulnerable segments of the Somali population.
The initiative aims to strengthen key national health institutions, namely De Martino National Referral Hospital, the National Blood Bank, and the National Health Professionals Council by improving infrastructure, providing modern medical equipment and supporting the development of human resources through targeted training for key personnel. These efforts will contribute to enhancing access to health services, ensuring the safe and timely management of blood transfusions and upholding high professional standards across the Somali health sector.
Speaking at the event, Pier Mario Daccò, Ambassador of Italy to Somalia, highlighted that this project adopts a comprehensive approach, one rooted in the conviction that improving health outcomes requires action on several interconnected fronts: governance, human resources, infrastructure and service delivery.
“This initiative places special attention on the most vulnerable groups of the population. By strengthening the health system where it matters most, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Somalia’s national health targets and to the wellbeing of the Somali people” he added.
The project is expected to generate significant ripple effects beyond the three targeted health institutions for the residents of the Banadir region, through an overall improvement of the quality of services which will outlast the project implementation period, thanks to stronger health services, improved maternal care pathways, increased availability of trained health personnel and improved regulation of the public health system. “This initiative represents far more than an investment in facilities and training; it is an investment in the long-term resilience and sustainability of Somalia’s health system” Ambassador Daccò concluded.
Through this initiative, Italy reaffirmed its firm commitment to supporting Somalia on its path toward stronger institutions, improved public services and better health outcomes by building partnership based on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
