The Republic of Somaliland has officially joined the Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries (NCDI) Poverty Network, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases and injuries among its most vulnerable populations.
The Somaliland–American Health Association (SAHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Development (MoHD), hosted an inaugural event in Hargeisa to commemorate Somaliland’s official membership in the global network. The event brought together senior government officials, national stakeholders, and international partners.
Distinguished representatives from the NCDI Poverty Network attended the event, including Dr. Gene Bukhman, Co-Chair of the Network; Dr. Neil Gupta, Senior Director of Policy; and Dr. Natnael Abebe, Regional Advisor for East Africa. The event was co-chaired by Dr. Abdirahman Madar, President of SAHA and Co-Chair of the Somaliland NCDI Commission, and Dr. Ahmed Mohamoud, Director General of the Ministry of Health Development and Co-Chair of the Commission, alongside members of the Somaliland NCDI Commission.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening national capacity for equitable and integrated care, while prioritizing people living with severe NCDs and injuries who are most affected by poverty and limited access to health services.
Following the event, the NCDI Poverty Network delegation paid a courtesy visit to H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, highlighting the Government of Somaliland’s strong support for advancing this critical public health agenda.
SAHA reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health Development and national partners to ensure that this collaboration translates into meaningful, sustainable improvements in prevention, treatment, and care for people living with noncommunicable diseases across Somaliland.
