Somalia’s Health Minister Elected Vice President at World Health Assembly

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Republic of Somalia’s health and Social Welfare minister Dr. Ali Hajiadam Abubakar has been elected as one of five Vice Presidents of the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA).

Dr. Abubakar joins other elected vice presidents from Guyana, Moldova, the Republic of Korea, and Sri Lanka. 

The annual WHA meeting being held at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, addresses global health challenges and makes decisions impacting nations worldwide.

 This year’s key focuses include pandemic preparedness and maternal and infant health, with a significant initiative from Somalia aiming to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

Addressing the conference, Dr. Abubakar expressed his gratitude for his appointment saying he will focus his efforts towards strengthening the global health system.

“I am deeply honored to have been elected as the Deputy President of the 77th World Health Assembly. I’m grateful to member states for placing their trust in Somalia’s leadership on global health. This is an important milestone as we work to strengthen our health systems,” he said.

The conference will also debate amendments to the WHO’s International Health Regulations, intended to enhance global pandemic readiness by improving alert, detection, and containment capacities.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in his remarks highlighted the importance of these discussions, especially as nations navigate post-COVID-19 challenges. He expressed confidence in finding a path forward despite recent setbacks in establishing a pandemic treaty due to disagreements over pathogen information sharing and technology.

The Somali delegation, led by Dr. Adam, includes Dr. Guled Abduljalil, Director General of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Hussein Muhiyadin, Director of the Medical Institute, the Director General of the Jubbaland Ministry of Health, and other department directors and consultants