Somalia Steps Up Diabetes Awareness as Health Ministry Promotes Early Detection

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s health officials have stepped up efforts to promote diabetes prevention and early diagnosis, using a public awareness campaign in Mogadishu to encourage healthier lifestyles and routine screening.

The Ministries of Health and Youth and Sports organised a World Diabetes Day 2026 awareness walk on Wednesday, bringing together government officials and members of the public under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes”.

The walk began at Daljirka Dahsoon at 5:30 a.m. and ended at Liido Beach, with Health and Social Care Minister Dr Ali Haji Adam and Youth and Sports Minister Mohamed Abdulkadir among those taking part.

The campaign focused on raising awareness about the importance of identifying diabetes early, improving access to screening and encouraging lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing the disease.

The two ministries urged young people, healthcare professionals and the wider public to take a more active role in diabetes prevention, stressing the importance of public education and early diagnosis.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Without proper management, it can cause serious complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss and nerve damage.

World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14 to raise awareness of the disease and strengthen global efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.