Somalia OneHealth Strategy

We are working closely with Somalia’s Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister’s office, and international development funders on an ambitious national reform project to transform the health system through a OneHealth lens. Led by Halima Mohamed, the work so far has included a cross-sector review of human, agricultural, veterinary and environmental systems, and the development of a holistic assessment framework. The next phase, initial data collection, is expected to commence in 2026.

The Problem

Somalia faces intertwined challenges of fragile health infrastructure, recurrent climate shocks, zoonotic risks, low institutional capacity and fragmented sectoral silos. OneHealth initiatives in the country have struggled with weak governance, underfunding, and limited institutionalisation across sectors. Without a robust strategy that bridges human, animal and environmental health, the country is vulnerable to recurring outbreaks, ecosystem stressors, and inefficient resource allocation.

Approach

We have been supporting the Somali government and local partners to design and deliver a OneHealth strategy anchored in rigorous assessment and multisectoral coordination. This involves translating foundation work into priority domains and indicators, mobilising cross-sectoral leadership structures, mapping data systems, and preparing protocols for field data collection. As the roadmap evolves, we help embed the OneHealth approach into the broader health system and ensure alignment with existing health sector plans.

Impact

The OneHealth project will strengthen institutional capacity across human, animal and environmental health, support coordinated surveillance and prevention, reduce duplication across sectors, and guide investment towards resilient, integrated systems. Over time it can reduce the burden of zoonoses, anticipate climate-driven health shocks, and help Somalia’s health system become more sustainable, responsive and equitable.