AGP Executive Report

Heat stress and livestock health: New reporting links rising temperatures across the Horn and North Africa to worsening camel deaths and declining health, with herders describing blisters, watery eyes, dehydration and calf losses as heatwaves intensify. Mental health access in Somalia: A new piece highlights how cultural beliefs, stigma, and structural barriers keep psychiatric care out of reach in Somalia, even as conflict-related distress remains a major driver. Vaccines and “zero-dose” children: UNICEF-linked coverage spotlights Somalia’s low vaccination rates and the daily work of youth health advocates in Mogadishu pushing back on misinformation and improving vaccine confidence. Funding pressure on health services: WHO coverage warns that conflict and funding cuts have left tens of millions in humanitarian crisis, while a WHO Mediterranean Office appeal seeks support to sustain health and nutrition services across Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti. Food security risk from Super El Niño: UN-linked reporting says a very strong El Niño is building, with anticipatory action funding requested to protect millions before hunger peaks—an urgent concern for vulnerable communities in the region. Public health and safety: A Somalia-focused commentary calls for stronger fire prevention in crowded markets like Mogadishu’s Bakaara, warning that weak electrical systems and missing safety gear keep traders and customers at high risk. Health and rights: Separate reporting from Somaliland describes a poisoning death after a secret conversion, underscoring the health risks faced by people targeted for beliefs.

Livestock & Nutrition: Experts urged Africa to unlock untapped livestock potential to boost food and nutrition security and create jobs, calling for stronger investment, market access, infrastructure, and policy coordination. Vaccines in Somalia: UNICEF reported that children in places like Mogadishu still face major barriers to immunization, with vaccine confidence and misinformation tackled by youth health advocates. Somaliland poisoning case: A father in Somaliland was reportedly poisoned after secretly converting to Christianity, raising concerns about violence tied to faith and access to timely care. Mental health & care gaps: Somalia-linked mental health coverage highlighted how untreated severe illness can spiral into harm, with calls for better psychiatric support in fragile settings. Funding for health & nutrition: WHO appealed for $6.42m to sustain emergency health and nutrition services in Somalia, Sudan, and Djibouti as food insecurity worsens and health facilities close. Measles risk: Health experts warned of rising measles risks amid outbreaks, underscoring the need for routine immunization and rapid response. Public health & safety: A Mogadishu market fire renewed pressure for stronger fire safety and prevention measures to protect livelihoods and customers.

Air Quality & Public Health: A UNEP pollution action note flags Kenya among countries with dangerous air pollution, with fine particulate exposure above WHO guidance; it also lists Somalia at 18.5 micrograms per cubic metre, underscoring ongoing respiratory risk. Humanitarian Health Funding: WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean office is appealing for $6.42 million to keep emergency health and nutrition services running in Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti, citing food insecurity, malnutrition risk, and health facility closures. Disease & Nutrition Crisis: WHO warns that conflict, outbreaks and shrinking funding are worsening the public health situation across the Eastern Mediterranean, with Greater Horn of Africa acute food insecurity affecting tens of millions, including Somalia. Measles Alert: A Minnesota case linked to travel to Somalia shows how measles can become severe and require intensive care, reinforcing the need for routine vaccination before travel. Somalia Fire Safety: A fresh fire at Mogadishu’s Bakaara Market highlights recurring market fire risks tied to weak electrical systems and missing prevention gear, threatening livelihoods and access to care. FGM Oversight: The Turkish Medical Association opened a disciplinary probe into a doctor advertising female genital mutilation online, reiterating the practice’s illegality and harm. Youth, Health & Wellbeing: A WHO review notes social isolation as a growing public health concern, especially for young females in low-income settings—relevant as Somalia faces strain on social support systems.

Health Funding & Nutrition: WHO is appealing for $6.42 million to keep lifesaving health and nutrition services running in Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti, citing closures of 200+ health facilities and rising needs, including 1.8 million children at risk of acute malnutrition and ongoing cholera/AWD and measles pressure. Immunisation Alarm: Separate reporting warns of measles resurgence risks, with a case described where a baby contracted measles after travel and needed intensive hospital care—highlighting how quickly outbreaks can turn severe. Primary Care Access Under Strain: WHO says conflict, food insecurity and shrinking humanitarian funding are pushing the Eastern Mediterranean health crisis deeper, with Somalia among the worst affected. Local Health System Stress: A report on Mogadishu’s Bakaara Market fire underlines how weak safety and preparedness can instantly destroy livelihoods and disrupt access to services in crowded areas. Public Health Beyond Clinics: Youth migration pressures are framed as a health-and-wellbeing issue too—when jobs and education don’t match reality, young people leave, and communities lose capacity. Regional Health Security: The EAC plans to launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute as a regional virology hub, aiming to strengthen surveillance, diagnostics and training across member states including Somalia.

Health Funding: WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean office is urgently seeking US$6.42 million to keep lifesaving health and nutrition services running in Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti, citing severe food insecurity, malnutrition risk, displacement, and shortages that have forced the closure of over 200 health facilities. Measles Risk: Health experts warn of rising health risks as measles resurges, with outbreaks straining fragile systems already hit by hunger and displacement. Immunisation in Focus: A Minnesota family story highlights how a child unvaccinated for MMR due to being asleep later contracted measles after travel to Somalia, landing the baby in intensive care—an example of how quickly outbreaks can spread. Regional Health Security: The EAC plans to launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute as a regional virology center, aiming to strengthen surveillance, diagnostics, training, and disease response across member states including Somalia. Water & Care Access: Kenya’s Garissa is set to benefit from World Bank-backed projects that include water supply upgrades and support for dispensaries and lab facilities—key links between clean water and better health outcomes.

Food insecurity funding: WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean office urgently appealed for $6.42m to keep health and nutrition services running across Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti, citing millions facing crisis-level hunger, acute malnutrition risks, and health facility closures amid outbreaks like cholera/AWD, measles and malaria. Regional health security: The EAC will launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute as a regional virology center to boost surveillance, diagnostics, training and disease response across member states including Somalia. Youth-focused pastoral care: Catholic bishops in Eastern Africa, including Somalia’s diocese, committed the next four years to young people, with study sessions covering mental health, safeguarding, migration and unemployment. Somalia–US law enforcement: The US praised Somalia after Mogadishu extradited Abdikerm Eidle in the alleged $250m “Feeding Our Future” child nutrition fraud case, highlighting cross-border cooperation. Health system financing policy (Puntland): Puntland launched a health cost recovery policy aimed at improving sustainable healthcare funding. Travel risk alerts: The US placed Somalia among 23 countries on its highest “Do Not Travel” level, citing extreme security risks and limited consular support. Women’s health and protection: Experts warned that FGM risk rises during summer travel for girls in the Netherlands, noting high prevalence and concern for girls from Somalia and neighboring countries.

Somalia–US Justice: The US praised Somalia’s federal government after Mogadishu extradited Abdikerm Eidle, 42, to Minnesota to face charges tied to the alleged $250m “Feeding Our Future” child nutrition fraud, highlighting stronger law-enforcement cooperation. Health & Services (Kenya–Somalia region): Garissa County in Kenya is set to benefit from World Bank-backed essential services projects, including water supply upgrades and new dispensary laboratory facilities—aimed at improving healthcare delivery and medical training along the Isiolo–Mandera corridor. Health Security (Somalia): A new analysis warns Somalia faces “operational paralysis” as US support for UN logistics (UNSOS) is set to end, threatening medical evacuation, fuel and air transport needed for regional security operations. Climate-linked Health Risk (Horn of Africa): El Niño forecasts are expected to worsen heat, floods and droughts, with Somalia named among the most impacted—raising risks for food security, water access and health. FGM Risk: Dutch experts warn 2,600 girls are at risk of female genital mutilation during summer travel, with Somalia among the high-prevalence source countries. Travel Advisories: The US renewed its highest-risk “Do Not Travel” Level 4 list, again including Somalia, citing extreme security risks and limited consular help.

Law & Health Security: The US praised Somalia after Mogadishu extradited Somali-American Abdikerm Eidle, 42, tied to the alleged $250 million “Feeding Our Future” child nutrition fraud, signaling stronger cross-border action against scams that can drain lifesaving food support. Public Health & Safety: The US also issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for 23 countries, including Somalia, citing extreme security risks and limited consular help—an indirect warning for humanitarian and health travel planning. Health System Resilience: Kenya’s push to become a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub drew diplomats including Somalia, with Square Pharmaceuticals highlighting local production capacity for essential medicines—relevant for regional access and supply stability. Child Protection & Harm Reduction: New reporting warns female genital mutilation risk is rising during summer travel, with Somalia listed among high-prevalence countries; prevention and safeguarding remain urgent. Climate-Driven Health Threats: El Niño preparations are being urged as extreme heat, floods, and droughts could worsen food, nutrition, water, sanitation, and health risks across East Africa, including Somalia.

Child Protection & Health Access: A new report from Kakuma Refugee Camp highlights how children fleeing war can still face abuse, exploitation, neglect, trafficking and hunger—underscoring the need for safe shelter plus healthcare, counselling, nutritious food and education, not just survival. FGM & Public Health: Experts warn that female genital mutilation risk rises during summer travel, with about 2,600 girls in the Netherlands at risk; WHO estimates 4.5 million girls are at risk in 2026, and UNICEF data flags Somalia as among the highest-prevalence countries. Security & Service Continuity: Somalia faces an “operational paralysis” risk as key UN logistics support nears expiry, threatening medical evacuation, fuel and air transport needed to sustain anti-Al-Shabaab operations. Food Security & Climate Stress: El Niño forecasts are raising alarms for floods, drought and disease across East Africa, with Somalia included among likely hotspots—pushing vulnerable households toward severe hunger. Health System Funding: Djibouti’s emergency alert points to a sharp hunger spike, while Somalia’s Puntland has launched a health cost recovery policy aimed at more sustainable healthcare funding. Regional Health & Trade: African leaders back plans to strengthen pastoral livestock trade across borders, including animal health systems and harmonised regulations—linking health, nutrition and livelihoods. Travel Safety Signals: The US placed Somalia among 23 countries on its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, reflecting extreme security risks and limited consular support. Pharma Investment: Square Pharmaceuticals hosted diplomats at its Kenya facility, signalling growing regional pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity that could support access to essential medicines for Somalia and neighbours. Justice & Public Funds: US authorities extradited a Somali-linked suspect in the $250m Feeding Our Future COVID child-feeding fraud, a reminder that health funding integrity directly affects child nutrition.

Climate & Health: New displacement figures show the climate crisis has driven over 250 million people from home since 2015, with Somalia named among countries where climate risks overlap with armed conflict—raising the odds of hunger, disease spread, and disrupted care. Security & Care Access: Somalia’s security posture is at risk as UN logistical support for AU operations nears a year-end cutoff, threatening medical evacuation and supplies that keep frontline health response possible. Food Security Watch: An emergency hunger spike in Djibouti and wider El Niño warnings across East Africa point to worsening nutrition and health risks, especially for refugees and camp communities. Somalia Health Policy: Puntland has launched a health cost recovery policy aimed at more sustainable healthcare funding. Public Health & Protection: Somalia is also linked to rising concerns around female genital mutilation during travel seasons, and to broader immunisation gaps in the region. Health System Capacity: A Somalia-focused commentary highlights educational and regulatory gaps in pharmacy practice. Travel Safety: The US placed Somalia on its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, citing serious security risks and limited ability to assist.

El Niño & Hunger Watch: Climate experts warn El Niño is strengthening fast, raising risks of heatwaves, floods and droughts across East Africa, including Somalia—threatening food, nutrition, water and health systems. Food Security in Camps: New IPC analysis flags a sharp hunger spike among refugees in Ali Addeh and Holl-Holl camps, with nearly 70% facing crisis levels or worse. Galmudug Health & Services: SINCAD has nominated Abduqadir Abdullahi Diriye Adawe for Galmudug presidency, pledging improved security plus expanded access to education and healthcare. Health System Funding Pressure: A report on UK aid cuts says Somalia could face major reductions, raising concerns for frontline health and humanitarian support. Pharmacy Regulation Gap: A Somalia-focused commentary highlights weak pharmacy education, accreditation and regulation after years of conflict, calling for stronger standards. Public Health Context: Uganda’s Ebola-free countdown begins while DR Congo’s outbreak worsens—an example of how fragile health responses can be in the region. Health-Linked Crime: In Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future child nutrition fraud case, a suspected Somali-linked ringleader was extradited to face charges, underscoring risks to aid meant for vulnerable children.

El Niño & health risks: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño conditions are strengthening fast, raising the odds of heatwaves, floods and droughts that could worsen food, nutrition, water and health crises across Eastern and Southern Africa—Somalia is named among the most exposed. Ebola strain & system strain: In eastern DR Congo, the Ebola response is falling behind, with WHO-linked modelling suggesting official case counts may be far under the true number; Uganda’s last patient has been discharged, starting a 42-day Ebola-free countdown. Immunisation gap alarm: Pakistan’s medical association declares a national public health emergency over 651,000 “zero-dose” infants, a reminder of how routine immunisation failures can quickly turn into outbreaks—an issue Somalia and the region watch closely. Somalia-linked health policy: Puntland has launched a health cost recovery policy aimed at more sustainable healthcare funding. Somalia in the news beyond health: A major Minnesota child-nutrition fraud case saw an alleged ringleader extradited from Somalia to face U.S. charges, while Turkey’s e-visa expansion left Somali passport holders out—both affecting mobility and access. Food safety oversight: South Africa’s food safety system is flagged for weak monitoring and enforcement, with concerns around expired foods in informal shops and school feeding kitchens.

Livestock & Health Systems: African leaders, including Somalia, backed a push to make pastoral livestock trade more competitive by cutting barriers, boosting animal health services, and improving cross-border rules—aiming to strengthen food security and jobs. Immunisation Alarm: Pakistan’s medical association declared a national public health emergency over 651,000 “zero-dose” infants, underscoring how routine vaccine gaps can quickly turn into outbreaks—an urgent warning for the wider region including Somalia. Somalia Health Workforce & Regulation: A commentary highlights gaps in Somalia’s pharmacy education and regulation, arguing that stronger training and oversight are needed so medicines are used safely and consistently. Climate & Disease Risk: Experts warn the Greater Horn could face a multi-country polycrisis as weak rains and El Niño effects combine with conflict and disease pressures, raising the odds of floods, food shortages, and health emergencies. Security Disruptions to Care: Heavy fighting in Baidoa and a police commander killing in Puntland’s Mudug add pressure on hospitals and access to services. Policy & Funding: Puntland launched a health cost recovery policy to improve sustainable healthcare funding, while Somalia’s broader dependence on foreign security support remains a concern. Education & Innovation: Somali National University launched the Somali National Artificial Intelligence Centre, with plans that include practical work in healthcare and other public services. Travel & Access: Turkey expanded e-visa access for some African countries but left Somalia out, potentially affecting travel for medical care and education.

Immunisation Alert: Pakistan’s Medical Association issued a red alert over 651,000 “zero-dose” children, warning of a major measles and other preventable disease resurgence risk. Somalia Health Funding: Puntland launched a health cost recovery policy aimed at boosting sustainable healthcare funding. Measles Warning: A Minnesota family returning from Somalia reported a severe measles case in a 9-month-old, highlighting how quickly outbreaks can spread via travel. Vaccines & Outbreak Risk: Experts warned of health risks and stress on vaccination systems amid a measles resurgence. Climate & Disease Threat: Aid groups warn El Niño could worsen flooding, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity across Somalia and the region, raising public health risks. Security Disruption: Heavy fighting in Baidoa reportedly sent wounded people to hospitals, adding pressure to already strained care services. Policy & Governance: Somalia’s health minister attended a regional investment forum in Mauritania, while broader coverage also flagged governance and corruption concerns that can undermine health programs. Travel & Access: Turkey excluded Somalia from its e-Visa list, keeping Somali travelers reliant on diplomatic visa routes—potentially affecting travel for medical care.

Ebola & travel safety: The U.S. State Department upgraded Uganda and the DRC to Level 4 “Do Not Travel,” citing severe health and security risks and limited consular help—while Somalia remains on the same highest alert list. El Niño health threat: Kenya may receive up to $100m (Sh13bn) from a UN emergency fund to prepare for El Niño rains, as East Africa—including Somalia—faces higher risks of flooding, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity. Immunization gap: WHO and UNICEF report global childhood vaccination is rebounding, but 13.5 million infants still missed routine vaccines in 2025, leaving outbreaks like measles a real danger. Somalia health system funding: Puntland launched a health cost recovery policy aimed at making healthcare financing more sustainable. Maternal care in crises: A new report highlights how conflict and disasters are driving maternal health failures, including in Somalia. Local health capacity: Somali National University launched the Somali National Artificial Intelligence Centre, with plans to support AI applications in healthcare and other sectors.

Kenya–Somalia Border: North Eastern leaders urged Kenya to reopen the Liboi border, saying the long closure is hurting livelihoods, pushing trade into informal routes, and cutting government revenue—especially for the livestock market in Garissa. Drought & Malnutrition: UN OCHA issued an urgent appeal for Somalia as drought, conflict and funding gaps drive rising hardship, with 570,000 people needing water help and 1.5 million needing food; acute malnutrition affects over 400,730 children and reproductive health services remain severely limited. El Niño Health Risks: The IRC warned El Niño could worsen flooding, disease outbreaks and food insecurity across Somalia, Kenya and Uganda, with peak impacts expected later in 2026—dangerous for communities already strained by crisis. Immunization Gap: WHO and UNICEF reported global childhood vaccination is slowly recovering, but 13.5 million infants still missed routine vaccines in 2025, leaving them exposed to preventable diseases. Somalia Health Financing: Somalia’s Health Minister attended a regional forum in Mauritania focused on strengthening healthcare financing and partnerships, including expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing. Polio Surveillance (Kenya): Kenya’s polio fight is increasingly reliant on community health volunteers in remote, under-immunised areas to detect vaccine-derived polio risks early.