FTL Somalia

Minister Urges Global Support for NCD Medicines Access in Somalia 

Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia’s State Minister of Health and Human Services, Dr. Maryam Mohamed Hussein, has called for greater international cooperation to improve access to life-saving non-communicable disease (NCD) medicines across the country.

Speaking during a recent health forum in Mogadishu, Dr. Maryam highlighted the growing burden of NCDs such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

She stressed that timely access to affordable medicines is critical to reaching every citizen, especially those in remote and conflict-affected areas.

“Non-communicable diseases pose a significant challenge to Somalia’s healthcare system. Without international support, especially for affordable medication, millions will remain at risk,” she said.

The minister noted that Somalia’s fragile health infrastructure and ongoing humanitarian crises exacerbate the impact of NCDs.

Dr. Maryam commended global health partners for their existing efforts but urged them to scale up initiatives to enhance supply chains and affordability.

She also called on humanitarian agencies to support capacity-building programs for health workers to strengthen NCD prevention and management at the grassroots level.

“Every Somali, regardless of where they live, deserves access to these essential medicines. Together, we can bridge the gap,” the minister concluded.

The remarks come as Somalia continues to develop its national NCD strategy to reduce the burden of these chronic conditions and move toward achieving its Universal Health Coverage targets.