Honoring World Disability Day 2025

December 3, 2025

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 2025: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚

Today, the Somalia NCD alliance was proud to join the Ministry of Health- Somalia, IRC Somalia, Somali International University, Kalkal Hospital, UK International Development, and organizations of persons with disabilities (PWDOs) in commemorating World Disability Day 2025 at Hotel Afrik, Mogadishu.

The event brought together 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐜𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲, 𝐎𝐏𝐃𝐬, 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 to reaffirm our shared commitment to dignity, equity, and the full participation of persons with disabilities in Somalia’s health and social systems.

From powerful testimonies by PWDO representatives to insightful presentations from health and academic institutions, the message was clear:

“Disability-inclusive health care is not charity—it is a right.”

Throughout the event, partners emphasized the urgent need to expand rehabilitation services, strengthen inclusive policies, ensure accessible health insurance, and dismantle social and structural barriers that continue to marginalize people with disabilities.

We echo the call from the 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 (𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐞):

“Persons with disabilities are demanding their rightful place in our health system, our schools, our workforce, and our society. We must act together.”

As the Somalia NCD alliance, we remain committed to:

Advocating for disability-inclusive NCD services and rehabilitation coverage

Supporting policy reforms that protect the rights of persons with disabilities

Promoting accessibility in all health programs

Strengthening partnerships with OPDs and community networks

Advancing a more equitable and inclusive health system across Somalia

Together, we can ensure that no person is left behind — and that disability inclusion becomes a central pillar of Somalia’s health and development agenda.