Somalia, Russia sign MoU to strengthen bilateral health cooperation

Somalia and Russia have signed a new memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector, marking a significant step in expanding collaboration between the two countries.

The agreement was signed in Geneva by Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social Care, Dr. Ali Haji Adam, and Russia’s Deputy Minister of Health, Oleg Salagay. The MoU reflects the long-standing relations between Somalia and Russia and sets out a broad framework for cooperation in healthcare development.

Under the agreement, both sides committed to working together to improve healthcare systems, enhance the training and capacity of health professionals, and promote the exchange of expertise and scientific research. The partnership will also focus on the prevention and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases, regulation of medicines and medical equipment, and strengthening maternal and child healthcare services.

In addition, the MoU covers cooperation in digital health technologies, nuclear medicine, and the promotion of medical tourism, areas seen as key to modernizing healthcare delivery and expanding access to specialized services.

Somali officials said the agreement is expected to play an important role in improving the quality of healthcare services in the country and strengthening the institutional capacity of Somalia’s health sector. The partnership is also aligned with Somalia’s broader efforts to rebuild and modernize public services after decades of challenges.

Following the signing ceremony, the two ministers held separate discussions in which they emphasized the importance of translating the agreement into concrete actions. Both sides stressed the need for effective implementation to ensure the partnership delivers tangible results that serve the shared interests of Somalia and Russia and contribute to better health outcomes for their populations.

The MoU adds to Somalia’s growing international health partnerships and underscores the government’s commitment to expanding global cooperation to support national development priorities in the healthcare sector.