Earlier this year, Mogadishu witnessed a transformative moment for the nation’s healthcare system. The Somali National University (SNU), through its Center for Health Research and Innovation (CHRI), successfully hosted the National Forum on Domestic Health Financing and the Establishment of Somalia’s National Health Insurance System.
This forum was not merely a conference; it was a statement of academic responsibility. As the only national university in Somalia, SNU took the lead in ensuring that the voice of science, research, and academia is at the heart of policy reform.
Highlights of the Forum:
- Massive Participation: We were honored to host 1,170 participants, including 60 high-level VIPs from the health sector, the Minister of Health, and the Rector of SNU.
- Driven by Youth: In an incredible feat of academic mobilization, 150 Health Science students collected vital research data in less than 24 hours to inform the forum’s discussions.
- Efficiency & Sincerity: Moving from a nascent idea to a full-scale national conference in just 33 days, the event proved that with teamwork and sincerity, Somalia can drive its own reform without over-reliance on external donor timelines.
The consensus reached was clear: Somalia must move toward a Shariah-compliant (Takaful-based) National Health Insurance system that is phased, realistic, and rooted in national solidarity.
Watch the Forum Highlights:
This short video captures the energy, the expert panels, and the high-level commitment shown by the Federal Government and the University leadership.
The Way Forward:
The reflections from this forum are now being transformed into actionable knowledge. We thank all participants for their dedication to building a healthier, more self-reliant Somalia.