By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa– The Ministry of Livestock Development today launched a high-priority training initiative to strengthen Somaliland’s capacity in livestock disease surveillance and epidemic response systems.
Core Mission
The intensive multi-day program will upskill 20 regional veterinarians in:
• Real-time digital disease reporting
• Early outbreak detection protocols
• Advanced field diagnostic techniques
Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdirahman, Director of Animal Health, during the launching of the campaign emphasized that the Veterinarians are our primary defense against animal epidemics. This training will dramatically enhance your skills in disease tracking, emergency preparedness, and containment strategies critical for our US$1 billion livestock sector.”
Program Framework
1. National Integration – Synchronizes regional clinics with Hargeisa headquarters through unified digital dashboards
2. Modernized Surveillance – Implements WHO-compatible disease reporting standards
3. Strategic Deployment – Targets veterinarians from high-density livestock zones (Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sahil regions)
Operational Implementation
• Trainees will receive field diagnostic kits and digital tablets upon certification
• Mandatory data accuracy standards established for development planning
• New epidemic alert protocols to be operationalized nationwide
National Significance
This initiative represents a major advancement in Somaliland’s veterinary infrastructure, directly supporting:
✓ Pastoral livelihoods (65% of population)
✓ Meat/dairy export safety compliance
✓ Prevention of zoonotic disease transmission.
Senior Officials Present
• Eng. Hassan Jama Hassan (Director, IT Systems)
• Dr. Hassan Ahmed Hassan (Director, Animal Resources)
• Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Nur (Maroodi-Jeex Regional Coordinator)
