Graduation Ceremony of 25 health professionals from Somalia Frontline FETP Cohort 7.

In Mogadishu, 10 June 2026 – Dr. Hussein Abukar Mohiadin, Executive Director of the National Institute of Health (NIH), officially closed the graduation ceremony of 25 health professionals from Somalia Frontline FETP Cohort 7. The graduates are now better equipped to support disease detection, surveillance, and emergency response efforts throughout the country.       

  The ceremony was officiated by Dr.Husein Abukar Muhiadin, Executive Director of the National Institute of Health. Following his lead, a distinguished lineup of speakers graced the event, including Dr. Ditu Kazambu, AFENET-Head  Programs ; Dr. Kamil Mohamed, WHO Representative for Somalia; Dr.Tatek Bogale, AFENET-Horn Africa technical coordinator; Dr. Fartun Sharif, Director of Human Resource Development at the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services; and other senior representatives from government institutions and partner organizations.

The ceremony was hosted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and attended by key partners, including AFENET, WHO, and US CD. This graduation marks another important milestone in strengthening Somalia’s public health workforce. Through the Frontline FETP, graduates have gained practical skills to detect, investigate, report, and respond to priority diseases and public health threats at district and community levels.

Cohort 7 was particularly significant because it integrated focused immunization courses, field practice, and community-based surveillance alongside the standard Frontline FETP curriculum. This strategic approach aimed to strengthen capacity in routine immunization, vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, and support for Supplementary Immunization Activities, contributing to Somalia’s broader immunization and health security goals.

During the ceremony, speakers commended the strong collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Health, AFENET, WHO, CDC, and other partners. They emphasized that continued investment in field epidemiology training is essential for building a stronger, more resilient, and responsive health system in Somalia.

Finally, all speakers congratulated all 25 graduates of Somalia Frontline FETP Cohort 7 and recognized their commitment to protecting the health of communities across the country.