The Somali government has initiated a national campaign to combat the rising cancer burden, marking a major effort in addressing non-communicable diseases and improving public health.
The launch event in Mogadishu brought together government officials, including Health Minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam, lawmakers, medical experts, and representatives from global health organizations such as the WHO. Discussions focused on assessing cancer prevalence in Somalia and developing strategies for early detection, prevention, and treatment.
Health professionals highlighted a worrying rise in cancer cases, with esophageal cancer being the most common, followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer. The campaign aims to enhance healthcare services and ensure better access to cancer diagnosis and treatment across the country.