Somalia prepares Ebola prevention plan after regional outbreak alerts
The warning came after a senior-level meeting at the National Center for Public Health Emergency Operations in Mogadishu. The gathering brought together officials from the ministries of health, internal security, foreign affairs, civil aviation and information, as well...
Tuesday May 26, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has stepped up its public health defenses and finalized a national Ebola prevention plan as reports of the virus emerge in parts of Africa, officials said Monday.
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The Ministry of Health said Somalia has not confirmed a single Ebola case. Still, authorities have tightened readiness, citing the steady flow of travelers and flights from nearby countries, particularly Uganda and Kenya.
“The Ministry of Health confirms that no case of Ebola has been registered in the country so far. However, preparedness and close cooperation are essential,” the government said in a statement.
The warning came after a senior-level meeting at the National Center for Public Health Emergency Operations in Mogadishu. The gathering brought together officials from the ministries of health, internal security, foreign affairs, civil aviation and information, as well as representatives of the Somali Disaster Management Agency.
Participants reviewed ways to improve government coordination, strengthen national preparedness and block any potential outbreak before it can take hold.
Among the decisions reached were the rapid deployment of a health emergency management team and tougher screening at points of entry, including airports and border crossings.
Authorities also named Martini Hospital in Mogadishu as the country’s main facility for evaluating and testing suspected Ebola cases.
Officials said public awareness drives would be expanded and urged residents to rely on health advice issued by authorized agencies.
The government said it would also keep close watch on the movement of troops and support staff linked to international missions, including UNSOM and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, AUSSOM. Such travel, officials said, will be coordinated with national health services.
The Ministry of Health further cautioned the media and the public against circulating unverified reports, stressing that health information should come only from official channels.
The ministry called on all government agencies to work in concert to safeguard the public and keep Ebola from entering Somalia.
