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Hawadiye — Growing Minds, Rooted in Culture
Hawadiye is a storytelling platform dedicated to resilience, innovation, and transformation in leadership, health, education, and business. We empower growth, foster knowledge, and drive positive change across communities.
Showing posts with label Health & Social Impact. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health & Social Impact. Show all posts

July 20, 2026

July 20, 2026

Weekly EOC Meeting – Somali Regional State Health Bureau

Weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting led by Mr. Abubakar Sh Aden Ismaaciil, Director of Emergency Management, Somali Regional Health Bureau. Key discussions focused on outbreak response for Measles, Chikungunya, Malaria, strengthening routine immunization (EPI), and tackling nutrition challenges.

Weekly EOC Meeting – Somali State Regional Health Bureau

July 20, 2026

Mr. Abubakar Sh Aden Ismaaciil, Director of Emergency Management, Somali Regional Health Bureau
Mr. Abubakar Sh Aden Ismaaciil
Director of Emergency Management, Somali Regional State Health Bureau

The weekly meeting of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was held this morning at the conference hall of the Somali Regional State Health Bureau.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Abubakar Sh Aden Ismaaciil, Director of Emergency Management. Attendees included directors, coordinators, experts from the Somali Regional State Health Bureau, and representatives from partner organizations.

The session began with a review of last week’s decisions, followed by a presentation of last week’s performance report.

Agenda Items

  • Status of Chikungunya outbreaks
  • Measles situation
  • Malaria updates
  • Routine immunization services (EPI)
  • Nutrition challenges

Decisions Made

  1. Replan measles outbreak response in Gaashaamo district, prioritizing areas with population movement.
  2. Issue an alert letter on Chikungunya to regional zones for preparedness and prevention.
  3. Present assessment reports from the joint team in selected districts of Doolo zone.
Somali Regional State Health Bureau – Emergency Operations Center
July 20, 2026

May 07, 2026

May 07, 2026

Integrating QAPI for Safer, Smarter Laboratories in Somali Region

Integrating QAPI for Safer, Smarter Laboratories in Somali Region Focusing on high‑priority areas such as malaria and TB to strengthen diagnostics, improve patient safety, and build community trust

Integrating QAPI for Safer, Smarter Laboratories in Somali Region

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) is more than a compliance framework — it’s a culture of continuous learning and accountability. In the Somali Region, integrating QAPI into laboratory systems is transforming how diagnostics are delivered, ensuring that every test result contributes to safer patient care and stronger community trust.

Building a Foundation for Quality

Laboratories are the backbone of disease surveillance and clinical decision-making. Yet, without structured quality systems, even the most advanced equipment can fall short. QAPI provides a roadmap for laboratories to:

  • Identify performance gaps through routine audits and data reviews.
  • Implement corrective actions guided by measurable indicators.
  • Engage staff in continuous improvement and accountability.

Focusing on High‑Priority Diseases

The Somali Region’s laboratories play a critical role in diagnosing malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. Integrating QAPI ensures that diagnostic accuracy is maintained across all testing points — from rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in peripheral health centers to microscopy and molecular testing in regional labs.

By linking QAPI with external quality assessment (EQA) programs, laboratories can benchmark their performance and align with ISO 15189 standards, paving the way for accreditation and international recognition.

Empowering Laboratory Professionals

QAPI thrives when laboratory professionals are empowered to lead change. Through targeted training, mentorship, and peer learning, staff are developing the skills to analyze data, identify trends, and implement evidence‑based improvements. This approach strengthens leadership within the health system and fosters a sense of ownership among laboratory teams.

From Compliance to Culture

The ultimate goal of QAPI integration is not just compliance — it’s culture. When quality becomes part of daily practice, laboratories evolve into learning organizations that adapt, innovate, and sustain excellence. This cultural shift is essential for achieving universal health coverage and building resilient health systems in Ethiopia’s Somali Region.

Looking Ahead

As QAPI expands across regional laboratories, its impact will ripple through the entire health system — improving diagnostic reliability, reducing errors, and enhancing patient outcomes. The journey toward safer, smarter laboratories is underway, and Somali Region is setting a strong example for decentralized quality improvement in resource‑limited settings.

Related posts: TB Research in Somali Region | Malaria Diagnosis Journey | LQMS Quality Imperative

© 2026 Hawadiye | Advancing laboratory quality and patient safety in Somali Region

May 04, 2026

May 04, 2026

Local Research Matters: Tuberculosis and Drug Resistance in Somali Region

Discover new insights from a 2026 study on tuberculosis (TB) and drug resistance in Somali Region, Ethiopia. The research reveals a 20.2% TB prevalence and highlights urgent needs for diagnostic expansion and early treatment

Local Research Matters: Tuberculosis and Drug Resistance in Somali Region

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to challenge health systems worldwide, but its impact is felt most acutely in regions with limited diagnostic and treatment infrastructure. A new study from five public hospitals in the Somali Region of Eastern Ethiopia has revealed striking insights into the burden of TB and drug resistance patterns—findings that deserve wider attention.

Key Findings (2024–2025):

  • 20.2% of presumptive patients were confirmed TB cases.
  • Higher prevalence among men (24.3%), youth aged 16–30 years (27.1%), and those with a history of TB contact (24.4%).
  • 10.8% of confirmed TB cases showed drug resistance, with 4.3% classified as multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB).
  • Resistance was significantly higher among previously treated patients (12%) compared to new cases (1%).

“The magnitude of TB was higher in the study sites. The overall prevalence of drug resistance was also higher; especially among previously treated patients.” (Tahir et al., 2026)

Read the full article here: https://rdcu.be/fgUgA

Why Publishing Local Research Matters

This study is more than data—it is a reminder of the power of local evidence. Without such publications, the unique challenges of Somali Region risk being overlooked in national and global TB control strategies. Local research:

  • Exposes hidden burdens that national averages may mask.
  • Guides tailored interventions for communities with distinct lifestyles, such as pastoralists and migrants.
  • Strengthens advocacy for resources, diagnostics, and infrastructure.
  • Connects frontline health workers with the global scientific community.

A Call to Health Professionals

Publishing research is not only for academics—it is a responsibility for all health professionals. Every dataset, case review, and field observation contributes to the collective fight against TB and other infectious diseases. By documenting and sharing findings, you:

  • Shape evidence-based policy.
  • Highlight regional disparities.
  • Inspire collaboration and resource mobilization.
  • Contribute to global knowledge and health equity.

Moving Forward

The Somali Region study is a powerful example of how local research can illuminate hidden burdens and guide targeted interventions. To all health professionals: your work matters beyond the clinic walls. Publishing your findings ensures your community’s health challenges are visible, understood, and addressed.

© 2026 Hawadiye | Empowering local research for global health equity

April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026

SRSFMHACA Press Release by Director General

Press Release – SRS Food Medicine Healthcare Agency Control Administration (SRSFMHACA) On April 13, 2026, the Board of the Agency convened under the leadership of Mr. Cabdullahi Mahamud Matan, Director General of Somali Region FMHACA.

Press Release by SRS Food Medicine Healthcare Agency Control Administration

April 13, 2026

Mr. Cabdulahi Mahamud Matan, Director General of Somali Region FMHACA
Mr. Cabdulahi Mahamud Matan
Director General of Somali Region FMHACA

Press release statement by Director General Mr. Cabdulahi Mahamud Matan

Based on the developmental policies of the Prosperity Party and the overall direction of the Regional Government regarding the enhancement and improvement of health services and community welfare, an important meeting was held today by the Board of the Agency (SRSFMHACA).

Focus of the Meeting

The meeting concentrated on strengthening the agency’s efforts concerning the quality of health services, community welfare, and the efficiency of management systems.

Key Activities Presented

  • Improving monitoring systems
  • Accelerating licensing processes
  • Enhancing accountability
  • Expanding community awareness

The report indicated visible progress and areas needing further strengthening to achieve safe, high-quality, and reliable health services.

Board Recommendations

  • Accelerate the agency’s activities
  • Strengthen partnerships
  • Improve internal operational systems

Board members expressed full readiness to fulfill their responsibilities, emphasizing that protecting health and community welfare is a common interest and national duty requiring collective implementation.

Conclusion

The meeting demonstrated unity, responsibility, and strong commitment to improving health services and quality assurance systems in the region to ensure a healthy community receiving efficient and safe services.

Less talk, more action.

April 13, 2026

Council of the Food, Medicine, and Health Services Authority Meeting

Somali Regional Health Bureau | April 13, 2026 The Council of the Food, Medicine, and Health Services Authority held its first meeting at SRHB, chaired by Dr. Musse Ahmed Ibrahim with Deputy Bureau Head Mohamed Ayaanle Hassan.

Council of the Food, Medicine, and Health Services Authority Holds First Meeting at Somali Regional Health Bureau

April 13, 2026

Dr. Musse Ahmed Ibrahim chairing the meeting
Dr. Musse Ahmed Ibrahim, Regional Health Bureau Head, chairing the council meeting
Deputy Bureau Head Mohamed Ayaanle Hassan attending the meeting
Deputy Bureau Head Mohamed Ayaanle Hassan participating in the session
Council participants attending the meeting
Council participants including Bureau Heads of Finance, Agriculture, Trade & Transport, Social Affairs, and the Director General of the Authority

The governing council of the Food, Medicine, and Health Services Authority convened its inaugural meeting inside the Somali Regional Health Bureau.

The session was chaired by Dr. Musse Ahmed Ibrahim, Regional Health Bureau Head, alongside Deputy Bureau Head Mohamed Ayaanle Hassan. Attendees included Bureau Heads of Finance, Agriculture, Trade and Transport, Social Affairs, and the Director General of the Authority.

Purpose of the Meeting

The council discussed strategies to ensure the regional population and visitors have access to safe, high‑quality food — a priority for strengthening public health coverage and aligning with the government and prosperity Party’s commitment to food security.

Key Highlights

  • Authority Director Abdulahi Muhumed Mataan presented a report summarizing ongoing efforts to guarantee adequate, safe, and quality food supplies.
  • Dr. Musse Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard food safety, stressing collaboration across all Bureau Heads.
  • Deputy Bureau Head Mohamed Ayaanle Hassan reinforced accountability and resilience in food and medicine regulation.
  • Senior Bureau Heads pledged to strengthen their roles and work jointly to achieve food safety and health service delivery goals.
  • Integration of food safety with broader health system resilience, ensuring medicine regulation, and prioritizing nutrition security amid drought challenges.

Additional Insights

From the official Authority website, the institution highlights:

  • Regulation of food, medicine, and health services to protect public health.
  • Ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
  • Promoting sustainable systems for monitoring and evaluation.
  • Strengthening laboratory capacity and inspection services.

These points enrich the council’s agenda, showing alignment between policy, regulation, and practical implementation.

This first council meeting marks a significant step toward advancing food safety, medicine regulation, and health service delivery in the Somali Regional State.

January 04, 2026

January 04, 2026

Somali Region Deyr (short rainy season, Oct–Dec) 2025 Verification Assessment — Urgent Humanitarian Action

Somali Region Deyr 2025 (Short Rainy Season, Oct–Dec) — Verification & Emergency Humanitarian Assessment. Immediate Action Required to Safeguard Lives and Livelihoods. Stand with Somali Region Today.

Somali Region Deyr (short rainy season, Oct–Dec) 2025 Verification Assessment

A Call for Urgent Humanitarian Action

The Somali Regional State is entering a critical humanitarian emergency following the failure of consecutive rainy seasons. The Deyr (short rainy season, Oct–Dec) 2025 assessment confirms widespread crop failure, collapsed water systems, and deteriorating livestock conditions. Millions of households now face escalating risks to food security, health, and livelihoods.

399,000
Households urgently need water trucking
4.5 million
Breeding livestock require emergency feed
140,000
Cultivated land failed to reach harvest
Jan–Mar 2026
Jilaal dry season—escalating risk ahead

Key findings

  • Water crisis: Ten of eleven zones urgently require water trucking to reach nearly 399,000 households. Traditional sources—rivers, ponds, and wells—have dried up or collapsed.
  • Agricultural collapse: More than 140,000 hectares of cultivated land failed to reach harvest. Farmers are struggling with drought, crop diseases, and unaffordable input costs.
  • Livestock emergency: Over 4.5 million breeding animals require feed. Milk production has collapsed.
  • Food security breakdown: Food prices are rising while livestock values fall, leaving families unable to afford basic staples. Harmful coping strategies—such as selling breeding stock or producing charcoal—are eroding future recovery.
  • Escalating risk: With the Jilaal dry season (Jan–Mar 2026) approaching, hunger, displacement, and disease outbreaks will intensify unless urgent action is taken.

Immediate humanitarian needs

  • Water supply: Emergency trucking, rehabilitation of collapsed water systems, and improved harvesting infrastructure.
  • Livestock support: Feed distribution, veterinary services, and mobile health units to prevent mass mortality.
  • Agricultural recovery: Irrigation support, pest and disease control, and stronger market linkages to stabilize production.
  • Food assistance: Targeted relief for vulnerable households to prevent famine and malnutrition.
  • Health & WASH: Medicines, vaccines, and sanitation interventions to curb disease outbreaks.

Call to action

The Somali Region stands at the brink of a major humanitarian disaster. Without immediate and coordinated support, livelihoods will collapse further, and famine risks will escalate during the upcoming dry season.

We urge humanitarian partners, donors, and policymakers to act now—to deliver life‑saving assistance, strengthen resilience, and protect the dignity of communities across the Somali Region.

Act now to save Somali Region.

Failed Deyr (short rainy season, Oct–Dec) 2025 — Jilaal dry season ahead.

December 31, 2025

December 31, 2025

Balancing Initiative and Alignment in Regional Public Health Work Plan Implementation

Balancing Initiative and Alignment in Regional Public Health Work Plan Implementation.A principle-based framework for effective work plan implementation in regional public health systems—balancing team initiative with leadership alignment

Balancing Initiative and Leadership Alignment in Public Health Work Plans

A principle-based approach for effective, accountable, and sustainable activity execution across regional public health systems.

 post banner Balancing Initiative and Alignment

Balancing Initiative and Alignment

Initiative • Consultation • Accountability

Effective work plan implementation in regional public health systems requires more than technical expertise. It demands a leadership approach that balances initiative from teams and coordinators with strategic alignment from senior leadership. This balance ensures that activities are practical on the ground and consistent with broader health system priorities.

Common approaches in practice

  • Team-led design with leadership approval: Builds ownership and captures ground realities, with a formal endorsement step.
  • Joint design with leadership, followed by delegated execution: Ensures strategic alignment and smooth authorization, then clear delegation.
  • Leadership-directed implementation: Provides clarity and accountability, but can limit initiative and innovation.
Hybrid model—recommended: Co-create a draft plan at the team level, refine with leadership for alignment, then delegate with clear monitoring and reporting loops.

Why the hybrid model works

  • Balanced ownership: Staff feel engaged; leadership sees strategic coherence.
  • Practical and aligned: Ground-level realities meet system-wide priorities.
  • Trust and efficiency: Transparent roles, timely decisions, and adaptive feedback loops.

Implementation in four steps

  1. Collaborative drafting: Teams outline objectives, activities, timelines, resources, and indicators.
  2. Leadership refinement: Senior leaders adjust priorities and confirm resourcing and policy alignment.
  3. Delegation and kickoff: Responsibilities are assigned with clear reporting lines and schedules.
  4. Monitoring and adaptation: Regular updates, reviews, and course corrections maintain momentum and quality.

By embedding this approach into regional systems, organizations foster a culture of ownership, innovation, and trust. Work plan implementation becomes not just a procedural exercise, but a leadership practice that drives sustainable impact across public health programs.

Try this hybrid approach: Foster teamwork, collaborative execution, and systems-level problem resolution. Hawadiye is an ideal platform for sharing outcomes and lessons learned, reinforcing a culture of initiative and alignment across regional public health efforts.

December 29, 2025

December 29, 2025

Weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Meeting — Somali Regional Health Bureau

Somali Regional Health Bureau weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting chaired by Deputy Bureau Head Mrs Hawo Suleiman, reviewing Marburg Virus Disease, polio campaign, malaria, EPI, and nutrition

Weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Meeting

Meeting Overview

The weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting was held this morning at the Somali Regional Health Bureau conference hall. The session was chaired by Deputy Bureau Head Mrs Hawo Suleiman and attended by bureau directors, coordinators, technical experts, and representatives from partner organizations.

Leadership highlight

Mrs. Hawo Suleiman, Chaired the Somali Regional Health Bureau’s weekly Emergency Operations Center meeting, guiding strategic discussions on priority health interventions and partner coordination.

Deputy Bureau Head Mrs. Hawo Suleiman chairing the weekly EOC meeting at Somali Regional Health Bureau
Deputy Bureau Head Mrs. Hawo Suleiman leading the Somali Regional Health Bureau’s weekly Emergency Operations Center meeting.

Team engagement

Technical experts, coordinators, and partner representatives attending the weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting at the Somali Regional Health Bureau.

Participants attending the weekly EOC meeting at Somali Regional Health Bureau
Technical experts, coordinators, and partner representatives actively engaged in reviewing current health priorities and operational challenges.

Agenda and Discussions

The meeting began with a review of decisions made during the previous week, followed by a presentation of last week’s performance report. Key topics discussed included:

  • Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): Updates on the new outbreak.
  • Polio Vaccination Campaign: Review of the fourth round, with emphasis on vial collection.
  • Malaria: Current situation and mortality reporting.
  • Routine Immunization (EPI): Service delivery and coverage updates.
  • Nutrition: Ongoing challenges and interventions.
  • TB Diagnostics Support: Expanding patient access to diagnostic services, improving referral pathways, and strengthening reporting systems.

Decisions and Action Points

The meeting concluded with agreed actions for the coming week, including:

  • Tuberculosis Diagnostic Support: The Regional Laboratory, Communicable and Non‑Communicable Disease Control, and PHCU Directorates will support the Baabili District Health Office in establishing a diagnostic section at Qoloji to strengthen tuberculosis monitoring and patient follow‑up.” .
  • Zonal EOC Establishment: Follow‑up will be conducted across the region to support the establishment of Emergency Operations Centers at the zonal level.

Key message: The weekly EOC meeting reaffirmed the importance of coordinated action in disease surveillance, immunization, and nutrition. Strengthening zonal EOCs and supporting district health offices are critical steps toward resilient public health systems.


December 24, 2025

December 24, 2025

Weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Meeting — Somali Regional Health Bureau

Somali Regional Health Bureau (SRHB) weekly Emergency Operations Center meeting chaired by Abubakar Sh Aden Ismail, reviewing Marburg Virus Disease, polio vaccination campaign, malaria, EPI services, and nutrition

Weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Meeting

Director of Emergency Management

Mr. Abubakar Sh Aden Ismail, Director of Public Health Emergency Management, chairing the weekly EOC meeting at the Somali Regional Health Bureau.

Mr. Abubakar Sh Aden Ismail during the EOC meeting
Mr. Abubakar Sh Aden Ismail leading the Emergency Operations Center meeting focused on disease surveillance and coordination.

Meeting Participants

Technical experts, coordinators, and partner representatives attending the weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting at the Somali Regional Health Bureau.

Participants attending the EOC meeting at Somali Regional Health Bureau
Participants reviewing disease surveillance, immunization campaigns, and nutrition priorities during the weekly EOC session.

Meeting Overview

The weekly Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting was held this morning at the Somali Regional Health Bureau conference hall. The session was chaired by Mr. Abubakar Sh Aden Ismail, Director of the Public Health Emergency Management, and attended by bureau directors, coordinators, technical experts, and representatives from partner organizations.

Agenda and Discussions

The meeting began with a review of decisions made during the previous week, followed by a presentation of last week’s performance report. Key topics discussed included:

  • Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): Updates on preparedness and monitoring of the new outbreak.
  • Polio Vaccination Campaign: Review of the fourth round of the campaign.
  • Malaria: Current situation and mortality reporting.
  • Routine Immunization (EPI): Service delivery and coverage updates.
  • Nutrition: Ongoing challenges and interventions.

Decisions and Action Points

The meeting concluded with agreed actions for the coming week, including:

  • Malaria: Hospitals and health centers must raise awareness and ensure proper documentation of malaria-related deaths, if any occur.
  • Polio Vaccination Campaign: Follow-up is required for households missed in Daroor district, Jarar zone. All vials used during the fourth round must be collected and accounted for.

Key message: The weekly EOC meeting reinforces the importance of coordinated action in tackling emerging diseases, sustaining immunization services, and addressing nutrition challenges across the Somali Region.

Ahmed S Abdi

Ahmed S Abdi

Regional Laboratory Advisor & Quality Manager at Somali Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Directorate.

Passionate about strengthening health systems, equity, and digital publishing.


December 19, 2025

December 19, 2025

Toxic workplaces and the hidden cost of micromanagement

Micromanagement within public health systems undermines efficiency, innovation, and trust Instead of empowering professionals to act with autonomy, it creates bottlenecks that weaken responsiveness and morale.

Toxic workplaces and the hidden cost of micromanagement

When leaders confuse oversight with control, systems collapse, staff lose trust, and progress slows. Toxic workplaces are not born from one decision—they emerge from repeated patterns that weaken accountability and resilience.

Illustration symbolizing toxic workplace culture and micromanagement

Micromanagement drains trust, undermines creativity, and fuels toxic workplace cultures.

Why this matters

In public health systems, where accuracy and accountability save lives, leadership style is not a minor detail. Toxic workplace behaviors—especially micromanagement—erode trust, weaken efficiency, and undermine the very systems donors invest in to strengthen.

What micromanagement looks like

  • Bypassing managers: Leaders assign tasks directly to staff, ignoring coordinators or operational leads.
  • Reporting without inclusion: Reports are demanded from those excluded from the work.
  • Favoritism and bias: Assignments reflect personal preference over system needs.
  • Sidelining staff: People are ignored or pressured in meetings, creating unsafe environments.
  • Strategic drift: Strategic leaders get absorbed in daily operations instead of oversight.

These behaviors may seem small, but they create confusion, duplication, and accountability gaps that ripple across entire systems.

Consequences

  • Operational inefficiency: Work slows down and gaps remain unresolved.
  • Weakened authority: Managers lose credibility and staff morale drops.
  • Neglected strategy: Donor priorities and long‑term goals are sidelined.
  • Accountability risks: Reports are delayed or missing, undermining confidence.
  • Toxic culture: Staff feel unsafe, silenced, or unfairly blamed.

The way forward

  • Clarify roles: Strategic leaders guide; managers implement.
  • Formalize reporting lines: Staff know exactly who to report to and for what.
  • Empower managers: Give authority to lead daily operations without interference.
  • Oversight mechanisms: Ensure donor inputs translate into measurable outputs.
  • Transparency: Document decisions and share openly, free from favoritism.
  • Respect staff rights: Protect dignity, encourage open dialogue, and build trust.

Key message: Micromanagement is not just a leadership flaw—it is a systemic risk. By separating strategic guidance from operational implementation, organizations can ensure efficiency, donor confidence, and sustainable impact. Respecting staff rights and fostering transparency is the foundation of resilient public health systems.

Key takeaways

  • Systemic risk: Micromanagement is not just a leadership flaw; it undermines accountability, efficiency, and donor confidence.
  • Structural focus: This post highlights structural risks and cultural habits, keeping attention on strengthening systems rather than pointing at individuals.
  • Protect staff: Shielding people while exposing toxic structures ensures lessons apply universally and morale is preserved.
  • Practical actions: Clarify roles, standardize supervision schedules, use transparent dashboards, invite constructive feedback, and escalate diplomatically when standards are blocked.
  • Cultural shift: Move from accusation and blame to acknowledgement, co‑creation, and transformation for durable system improvement.

Resilient institutions are built not by avoiding conflict, but by transforming toxic patterns into transparent systems. When accountability is strengthened and staff rights are respected, workplaces shift from hidden costs to sustainable impact.

December 17, 2025

December 17, 2025

SRHB Strategic Review with Federal Ministry and Italian Delegation — Maternal & Child Health

Somali Reginal Health Bureau (SRHB) Strategic Review with Federal Ministry and Italian Delegation — Maternal And Child Health
Partnerships & Strategy

Strengthening Health Systems Through Partnership: SRHB Hosts Strategic Review with Federal Ministry and Italian Delegation

Jijiga, Ethiopia — December 17, 2025

The Somali Regional Health Bureau (SRHB) hosted a high‑level strategic meeting with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and the Italian Embassy to assess progress on a maternal and child health initiative operating eight districts across the Somali Region.

The session, chaired by Mr. Mahamoud Mohamed Abdi, Deputy Bureau Head of SRHB, brought together senior SRHB directors, officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, and delegates from the Italian Embassy. The review highlighted the first five months of a year‑long project funded by Italy, dedicated to strengthening maternal and child health services and addressing malnutrition. This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment of regional, federal, and international partners to advance public health outcomes and ensure equitable access to essential services throughout the Somali Region.

Following a concise presentation by Mr. Abdi Farah, Director of the Maternal and Child Health, participants engaged in a detailed discussion on achievements, operational challenges, and strategic priorities for the next phase.

Deputy Bureau Head

Mahamoud Mohamed Abdi, Deputy Head of the Somali Regional Health Bureau (SRHB), chairing the strategic review session.

Deputy Bureau Head Mahamoud Mohamed Abdi during the SRHB strategic review
Deputy Bureau Head Mahamoud Mohamed Abdi leading the Somali Regional Health Bureau’s strategic review meeting.

Meeting Participants

Representatives from SRHB, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Italian Embassy engaged in the strategic review session.

SRHB, Federal Ministry of Health, and Italian Embassy participants during the strategic review
Meeting participants from SRHB, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Italian Embassy collaborating on maternal and child health priorities.

Italian delegation commends impact and collaboration

In their closing remarks, the Italian representatives expressed strong appreciation for the initiative’s tangible impact within a short timeframe. They emphasized satisfaction with the collaborative spirit between the Federal Ministry of Health and SRHB, noting that such partnerships are essential for sustainable health system strengthening.

Looking ahead

SRHB reaffirmed its commitment to expanding maternal and child health services, improving nutrition outcomes, and deepening partnerships that drive inclusive and resilient public health systems across the Somali Region.

Somali Regional Health Bureau (SRHB)
December 17, 2025

December 15, 2025

December 15, 2025

Somali Regional Health Bureau – Weekly EOC Meeting Update

Somali Regional Health Bureau – Weekly EOC Meeting Update

Date: December 15, 2025  |  Venue: Conference Hall, Somali Regional Health Bureau (SRHB)

Chairperson

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Bureau Head Mrs Haawo Suleiman.

Deputy Bureau Head Mrs Haawo Suleiman chairing the weekly EOC meeting
Deputy Bureau Head Mrs Haawo Suleiman chairing the Somali Regional Health Bureau weekly EOC meeting.

Participants

Directors, coordinators, technical experts, and partner representatives attended the meeting.

Participants attending the weekly EOC meeting at the Somali Regional Health Bureau
Participants including directors, coordinators, technical experts, and partner representatives attending the weekly EOC meeting at SRHB.

Meeting overview

The weekly session of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was convened this morning at the Somali Regional Health Bureau conference hall. The meeting opened with a review of last week’s decisions, followed by presentations on the previous week’s performance.

Key discussion points

  • Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): Updates on the newly emerging outbreak and ongoing monitoring measures.
  • Polio Vaccination Campaign: Report on the 4th round of the polio immunization efforts.
  • Malaria Situation: Review of malaria trends and challenges in the region.
  • Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI): Updates on vaccination services.
  • Nutrition: Assessment of malnutrition and drought-related impacts.

Decisions and action points

  1. Malaria – Faafan Zone: Conduct detailed assessment to identify hotspots and operational barriers; prioritize targeted interventions.
  2. Polio – 4th round: Strengthen cross‑border coordination and ensure vaccination coverage for children living in border areas.

Previous EOC Updates

Somali Regional Public Health Laboratory updates

  • Malaria EQA: Continued focus on concordance improvements and feedback to facilities.
  • Training: Targeted refreshers planned for

December 08, 2025

December 08, 2025

Somali Regional Health Bureau – Weekly EOC Meeting Summary

Somali Regional Health Bureau Weekly EOC Meeting Summary – Outbreak Updates, Malaria EQA Results, Immunization Plans, Nutrition and Drought Response

Somali Regional Health Bureau – Weekly EOC Meeting Summary

Date: December 8, 2025

Meeting Overview

  • Venue: RHB Conference Hall
  • Chair: Dr. Muse Ahmed Ibrahim, Bureau Head
  • Participants: Directors, coordinators, regional experts, and partner agency representatives

Chairperson

Dr. Muse Ahmed Ibrahim, Head of Somali Regional Health Bureau, during the weekly EOC meeting.

Dr. Muse Ahmed Ibrahim seated at his desk in a formal suit, holding a pen with a notebook open in front of him.
Dr. Muse Ahmed Ibrahim leading the Somali Regional Health Bureau during the weekly EOC meeting.

Participants

Meeting participants from SRHB and partner organizations engaged in planning and discussion.

Meeting participants from SRHB and partners engaged in planning and discussion
Participants from SRHB and partner organizations engaged in collaborative planning and discussion.

Agenda & Key Discussion Points

  • Review of last week’s decisions and activity report
  • Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)
  • Preparedness for the 4th round of polio vaccination campaign
  • Current malaria situation (with EQA verification results from Sitti Zone)
  • Routine immunization services (EPI)
  • Nutrition status
  • Drought impact (presentation by DRM Office)

Decisions & Action Points

Malaria

  • Awareness Campaigns: Prepare and broadcast malaria prevention/control messages via FM radio stations (e.g., Hadigaala).
  • Feedback & Training: Share facility-specific concordance rates, provide targeted training at lower-performing facilities, improve slide quality, standardize procedures, and ensure supply readiness.

Routine Immunization (EPI)

  • Develop a comprehensive plan for routine immunization teams to systematically identify, engage, and vaccinate zero‑dose children..
  • Integrate zero-dose outreach with the upcoming 4th round of polio vaccination campaign.

Key Evidence from Malaria EQA (Sitti Zone, Dec 8, 2025)

  • Aggregate Concordance Rate: 91% (133 slides rechecked, 12 discordant)
  • Most Common Species: P. falciparum (75 cases), P. vivax (45 cases), 1 mixed infection
  • Quality Issues: 12 slides discarded due to poor preparation (dust, dirty films)
  • Procedural Challenges: Improper labeling, non-frosted slides, unfiltered Giemsa, washed-out thin films

Somali Regional Health Bureau (SRHB)
Date: December 8, 2025