MOGADISHU, (HAN) — Brigadier General Madey Nuurey Sheikh Ufuroow, Deputy Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), together with Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, Commander of Army Support Services, formally welcomed a high-level delegation of military health officials from East African Community (EAC) member states at Mogadishu International Airport on Friday.
The visiting delegation is in Somalia to participate in a two-day summit aimed at enhancing collaboration in military healthcare across the East African region. The summit brings together senior military medical officers, defense planners, and policy experts to discuss strategies for improving the health, welfare, and operational readiness of armed forces personnel.
At the airport reception, Brig. Gen. Ufuroow highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, stating that sharing knowledge and resources among neighboring countries is crucial to strengthening the capacity of national armies to respond effectively to medical emergencies, natural disasters, and conflict-related injuries. Maj. Gen.
Mahmoud also emphasized that the event demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to advancing military professionalism and ensuring the wellbeing of its service members.
The summit is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including:
• Joint medical training initiatives for military personnel across the region.
• Best practices in field medical support and emergency response.
• Resource sharing for medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and personnel.
• Policy frameworks to improve troop health management and preventive care.
Military health collaboration is increasingly recognized as a critical component of regional security, as the health and readiness of armed forces directly impact operational effectiveness.
Experts attending the summit are expected to present innovative approaches to addressing common challenges, such as combat trauma care, vaccination programs, mental health support, and logistical support for field hospitals.
Somalia’s hosting of this event marks a significant milestone in its role within the East African Community. Since attaining full membership in the EAC, Somalia has actively engaged in regional initiatives aimed at promoting stability, security, and socio-economic cooperation. By participating in such collaborative forums, Somalia demonstrates its readiness to contribute meaningfully to regional security while strengthening its national military capacities.
The two-day summit is anticipated to conclude with a set of actionable recommendations and a framework for continued cooperation among EAC member states in military healthcare, ensuring that the region’s armed forces are better prepared to meet emerging challenges.
