Africa

Somalia President appoints special envoy to boost health, nutrition

Abdirashid Mohamed Nur Jilley, who is Somalia's new special envoy for health and nutrition. (Photo: Villa Somalia)

By Hassan Mohamed | Tuesday, April 2, 2024

President Hassan says Abdirashid Mohamed Nur Jilley, a doctor, has the necessary expertise, knowledge and experience to advance healthcare in Somalia.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed Abdirashid Mohamed Nur Jilley, a federal member of Parliament from the Southwest State, as the special envoy for health and nutrition.

In a statement to the media, the President urged Abdirashid to use his medical expertise to advocate for advanced healthcare and to serve with dignity.

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“Abdirashid Maxamed Nuur Jilley, the new envoy for health and nutrition, has the necessary expertise, knowledge and experience on healthcare and nutrition matters. His vast experience will help him confirm the vision of the Somalia government in the development of the country’s healthcare,” Hassan said.

MP Abdirashid Mohamed Nur Jilley during a session in the Somalia Parliament. (Photo: Somalia Parliament)

Abdirashid faces a mammoth task, coming into office as Somalia works to strengthen its struggling healthcare system amid a string of natural disasters that continue to affect the population, many of whom are poor and cannot afford food or healthcare and hence depend on aid.

There have been outbreaks of diseases including cholera, dysentery and other waterborne diseases, which are the main causes of malnutrition, as well as persistent conflicts and displacement by floods.

A file picture of a camp for the internally displaced outside Beletweyne town in central Somalia. (Photo: ATMIS)

According to the March situation report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Somalia is facing a major health and nutrition crisis.

An estimated 1.7 million children aged 6 to 59 months will face acute malnutrition in 2024, including 430,000 who are likely to be severely malnourished, the report said.

Four million people in Somalia (21 per cent of the population) are facing a crisis or emergency food insecurity.

Health partners and the Ministry of Health have called for more support with a six-month plan that requires US $5.7 million.

The new envoy will work closely with the ministry, UN and community-based humanitarian agencies, and international non-governmental organisations.