Friday April 10, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia and Italy on Thursday signed an agreement to implement the QEPHS-SOM project, aimed at strengthening the country’s basic health services and expanding access to care.
The agreement was signed in Mogadishu by Somali Minister of Health Dr. Ali Haji Aden and Italy’s Ambassador to Somalia, Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, in collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
“This agreement is a major step toward strengthening the country’s health system, especially basic services that directly affect the community,” Somalia’s Ministry of Health said in a statement.
The QEPHS-SOM project is designed to improve access to quality, reliable and equitable health services across Somalia. Officials said the initiative will focus on reducing disparities between urban and rural areas, ensuring that underserved communities receive essential medical care.
The program is fully funded by the Italian government. Italian officials said the agreement reflects Rome’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s development, particularly in critical social sectors such as health.
Somalia and Italy share longstanding diplomatic ties, and both governments described the new agreement as a step toward deepening cooperation in sustainable development.
Somalia’s health sector has faced significant challenges due to decades of conflict, limited infrastructure and recurring climate-related crises as the current project will support ongoing efforts to rebuild the national health system and improve service delivery for millions of citizens.
