FGM Prevention & Lawmaking: Somalia held its first in-country East African Legislative Assembly public hearing on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation Bill, with officials citing extremely high FGM prevalence and the lack of a specific national law banning the practice. Health Sector Oversight: Somalia’s Upper House Committee on Social Services inspected the National Health Professionals Council, focusing on regulating healthcare workers, medicine quality, and hospital safety to better protect patients. Violence & Care Access: Heavy fighting between Somali government forces and militias loyal to former South West leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen erupted on Baidoa’s outskirts; Bay Regional Hospital reported dozens wounded and at least one civilian death, with ambulances rushing victims. Climate & Child Health Risk: UNICEF warned that the intensifying 2026/2027 El Niño could threaten children’s nutrition, health, clean water, and education across Eastern and Southern Africa, including Somalia, where flooding could affect millions and disrupt access to healthcare. Global Health Leadership: Belgium’s physician Hans Kluge formally entered the race to become WHO Director-General, aiming to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.