Somalia, Italy sign health agreement to expand basic medical services

Friday April 10, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia and Italy on Thursday sealed an agreement to launch the QEPHS-SOM project, a new effort intended to bolster the country’s primary health services and broaden access to care.

The deal was signed in Mogadishu by Somali Minister of Health Dr. Ali Haji Aden and Italy’s Ambassador to Somalia, Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) involved in the partnership.

The signing ceremony was attended by AICS Head Fabio Minniti and agency official Alessandro Dadomo, who are expected to oversee implementation and monitoring of the project.

“This agreement is a major step toward strengthening the country’s health system, especially basic services that directly affect the community,” Somalia’s Ministry of Health said in a statement.

Officials said the QEPHS-SOM project will work to expand access to quality, dependable and equitable health services throughout Somalia. A central goal of the initiative is to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas so that underserved communities can obtain essential medical care.

The program is being fully financed by the Italian government. Italian officials said the agreement underscores Rome’s continued support for Somalia’s development, especially in vital social sectors such as health.

Somalia and Italy have maintained diplomatic relations for many years, and both governments described the accord as another step toward strengthening cooperation on sustainable development.

Somalia’s health sector has long struggled with the effects of conflict, weak infrastructure and repeated climate shocks, and the current project is expected to support efforts to rebuild the national health system and improve service delivery for millions of citizens.