The Somali Federal Government announced on Monday that it has formulated a national plan to prevent the outbreak of Ebola in the country. This decision was made during a high-level meeting at the National Public Health Emergency Operation Center, as the government has heightened health vigilance due to the Ebola outbreak in certain African countries. The meeting was attended by officials from various ministries, including health, internal security, foreign affairs, civil aviation, and the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA). The focus of the meeting was to improve cooperation among government institutions in preparation for and prevention of Ebola. In a statement released, the government confirmed that there have been no reported cases of Ebola in Somalia. However, they have increased vigilance in monitoring movement, travel, and inbound flights from neighboring countries such as Kenya and Uganda. The Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of preparation and cooperation in preventing the spread of Ebola. The outcome of the meeting included plans to strengthen national preparations and quickly mobilize an emergency health response team. The government also plans to enhance screening at points of entry into the country. Additionally, Martini Hospital has been designated as the health center for evaluating and testing suspected Ebola cases. The Somali government officials have agreed to increase awareness of Ebola in the community and urge the public to follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease. They also stated that they will closely monitor the movement of troops and staff supporting international operations, such as UNSOM and AUSSOM, and ensure that they are linked to national health services. The government has issued a stern warning to the media and the community against spreading unconfirmed information about Ebola. They urge the public to only rely on official sources for health information. Finally, the Ministry of Health has called on all government agencies to work together in strengthening the safety of the people and preventing the risks associated with an Ebola outbreak.
