24.G. Workshop: Reconstructing public health institutions in Somalia

Abstract

Abstract The overall aim of this workshop is to present the ongoing efforts to restore central national public health institutions in Somalia like The National Institute of Health Somalia (NIHS), and to discuss critical factors to rebuild the health system and restore health institutions in fragile states using Somalia as an example. The workshop will focus on how to accelerate this process in order to reach the sustainable development goals and to help Somalia to achieve universal health coverage by 2020. The Public Health Agency of Sweden and The Norwegian Institute of Public Health organize this joint workshop in order to commemorate our late colleague and co-worker Mohamed Guled Farah, whós hard and tireless work was pivotal in the reestablishment of NIHS, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of the Somali people. The workshop will be chaired by Khalif Bile, who is a Senior Advisor to the Federal Ministry of Health Somalia. Bile has an outstanding experience in global public health in general and is very knowledgeable about the challenges and opportunities of the health system in Somalia and of the general health status of the population. Highly relevant presentations will be made by prominent key players and researchers in the field, followed by ample time for audience interaction. Kassim Abdi Jimale, Lecturer, Somali National University, will give an introduction and background to the restoration of the National Reference Laboratory and the process to establish the National Institute of Health Somalia. Somalia is a country that is affected by complex emergencies resulting from prolonged conflict, climate change, outbreaks of communicable diseases and a dysfunctional health system. The Public Health Agency Sweden, with the support of Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), supports the Federal Ministry of Health Somalia to restore vital health institutions such as the National Institute of Health Somalia (NIHS) to provide effective public health services within a country disrupted by conflict. There are several partners involved in this process, and a great deal of effort is put in coordination of activities. Joining hands, finding synergies and coordination of efforts is another key function of this workshop. Key messages Reaching UHC and the SDGs in Somalia require support to the re-establishment of strong, sustainable public health institutions like the National Institute of Health Somalia. Strengthening the public health system of Somalia requires coordinated, long-term, sustainable commitments and partnerships.