Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – The Government of India has delivered a 10-tonne shipment of humanitarian medical aid to Somalia, comprising life-saving medicines, surgical tools, and critical hospital supplies, as the Horn of Africa nation continues to struggle with overlapping crises of conflict, displacement, and healthcare shortages.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the aid in an official statement posted on Saturday, saying the shipment is part of New Delhi’s ongoing commitment to assist the Somali people amid difficult conditions.
“A consignment comprising 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance—including essential medicines, surgical items, hospital essentials, and biomedical equipment—has departed for Somalia,” the statement read.
The Somali Federal Government welcomed the donation, describing it as a “timely” and crucial intervention for a strained health system.
Deputy Minister of Health Maxamed Xasan Maxamed, writing on his social media page, said:
“We thank the Government and people of India for this vital health support. It arrived at the right time to reinforce our emergency response capacity.”
He added, “This support reflects the strong ties between Somalia and India and strengthens our joint commitment to health resilience and national security.”
While no specific timeline was announced for the aid’s arrival or distribution inside Somalia, officials and aid agencies have praised the move, particularly at a time when traditional donor support is under strain.
The shipment arrives as the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) issued a stark warning in July about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Somalia, estimating that over 5.9 million people are in urgent need of assistance.
The agency specifically highlighted widespread food insecurity and acute malnutrition, reporting that 4.6 million people are facing severe hunger, while 1.8 million children are expected to suffer from serious malnutrition by the end of 2025.
India has reaffirmed its intention to continue supporting Somalia’s humanitarian needs in the coming period.
