Somaliland CDC

Currently The Republic of Somaliland lacks the epidemiologic and public health laboratory capabilities at levels now available in other countries of the region. This lack of technical capacity and diagnostic laboratory services inhibits the nation’s ability to protect its population from communicable diseases and environmental hazards.

To meet these challenges, The Republic of Somaliland needs to establish public health institutions that meet international standards including a Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Somaliland CDC) and a national public health laboratory. 

Together, these organizations will monitor and detect diseases and other health threats, and address public health challenges, protect the health and welfare of all Somalilanders and contribute to the global health security. It needs the help of all stakeholders and partners to build these institutions.

The government acknowledges that public health is a critical part of the larger concept of health systems.

Today more than ever the national and international spread of disease or other risks threaten health, economies, and security. A strong public health foundation in terms of infrastructure and expertise is a fundamental necessity for all countries including Somaliland to address epidemic threats and save lives. The Somaliland government and its people need to build these foundations in the form of a strong public health infrastructure and expertise now and in the future.

Today all countries face the increased risk of threats from infectious disease epidemics including most recently Covid-19. Globalization amplifies these risks: a disease is just a plane trip away, and an outbreak anywhere is a threat everywhere. One of the primary responsibilities of any government is to protect the health and safety of its people through prevention whenever possible, early detection and timely and effective response.

Somaliland lacks the epidemiologic and public health laboratory capabilities at levels now available in other countries of the region. This lack of technical capacity and diagnostic laboratory services inhibits the nation’s ability to protect its population from communicable diseases and environmental hazards.

To meet these challenges, The Republic of Somaliland must establish public health institutions that meet international standards including a Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control and a national public health laboratory. Together, these organizations will monitor and detect diseases and other health threats, and address public health challenges, protect the health and welfare of all Somalilanders and contribute to the global health security. No gaps should exist in the global epidemic prevention network.

In his opinion piece in the Guardian dated April 21, 2020, Professor Ian Golden concluded his writing: “If there is one lesson covid-19 has taught us, it is how interconnected our lives are. What I have called “the butterfly defect” of globalization means that systemic risks anywhere are a risk to us all. We are only as strong as our weakest links. In the case of covid-19, if one country is a pandemic hotspot, we are all at risk of reinfection. Now more than ever we must show solidarity with those beyond our borders. Our health depends on the health of others. If we are to look forward to better future, people elsewhere must too”.

Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control

To meet these challenges, The Republic of Somaliland needs to establish public health institutions that meet international standards including a Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control and a national public health laboratory. Together, these organizations will monitor and detect diseases and other health threats, and address public health challenges, protect the health and welfare of all Somalilanders and contribute to the global health security. It needs help to build these institutions.

The main beneficiary of the project is the population of the Republic of Somaliland. Indirect beneficiaries include public health departments, healthcare providers and the government of Somaliland and the global health security partners.

Currently Somaliland does not have trained field epidemiologists with the right equipment and supplies to monitor and detect diseases and other health threats. More serious is also that currently Somaliland does not have an accredited public health laboratory. 

Somaliland needs a public health laboratory that can test and monitor public health threats and protect the population.It is aimed to detect infectious, food and water borne diseases, environmental exposures and genetic disorders in the new borne babies and much more. 

A public health system cannot be put in place in an emergency, as has been demonstrated by the inability of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia to control the spread of Ebola and more recently in every country in the world including the United States of America. Rather it requires long term development, commitment and support. It requires well-resourced institutions ready to go into action when needed. These come only with the development of accredited facilities and qualified personnel. Somaliland needs the establishment of such institutions now rather than later and it needs help to do so.

The IANPHI Framework for the Creation and Development of National Public Health Institutes (NPHI) is a guide to the formation and growth of the world's NPHIs.

There is no one model for an NPHI. Some countries have large NPHIs that lead national efforts in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, research, and policy work for infectious and chronic diseases. Others focus on a core mission of surveillance, laboratory science, and applied research. Still others work as part of an in-country network, in partnership with other public health agencies in the country.

Whatever the model, every NPHI shares a set of core attributes and core functions. One of the attributes is an emphasis on the major public health issues affecting the country. Focusing on the major issues requires an NPHI to be dynamic – ready to adapt to meet new challenges. NPHIs are also science-based organizations, with priorities driven by data and evidence. 

The core functions are derived from the essential public health functions, which have been in use for over a decade. These functions are the indispensable set of actions that are fundamental for achieving the goal of public health, which is to improve, promote, protect, and restore the health of the population through collective action.

Among the core functions, the Framework defines those that are the most critical for NPHIs:

• Evaluation and analysis of health status
• Public health surveillance, problem investigation, and control of risks and threats to public health
• Public health research

Adapted from IANPHI.

The IANPHI Framework for the Creation and Development of National Public Health Institutes (NPHI) is a guide to the formation and growth of the world's NPHIs.

There is no one model for an NPHI. Some countries have large NPHIs that lead national efforts in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, research, and policy work for infectious and chronic diseases. Others focus on a core mission of surveillance, laboratory science, and applied research. Still others work as part of an in-country network, in partnership with other public health agencies in the country.

Whatever the model, every NPHI shares a set of core attributes and core functions. One of the attributes is an emphasis on the major public health issues affecting the country. Focusing on the major issues requires an NPHI to be dynamic – ready to adapt to meet new challenges. NPHIs are also science-based organizations, with priorities driven by data and evidence.  The core functions are derived from the essential public health functions, which have been in use for over a decade. These functions are the indispensable set of actions that are fundamental for achieving the goal of public health, which is to improve, promote, protect, and restore the health of the population through collective action.

Among the core functions, the Framework defines those that are the most critical for NPHIs:

• Evaluation and analysis of health status
• Public health surveillance, problem investigation, and control of risks and threats to public health
• Public health research

Adapted from IANPHI.

The Core functions of Public Health Agencies are successfully applied by the following institutions:

1. Centers for Disease Control
2. Public Health Agency of Canada
3. Public Health Ontario
4. Public Health England

Somaliland CDC when fully functional will provide the following six core functions:

1.    Ensuring availability of critical, strategic epidemiological information upon which to base decisions and policies affecting all aspects of the larger health system.

2.    Strengthening key public health institutions and infrastructure, including building and enhancing systems needed to generate data and interpreting data through the establishment of dedicated public health institutions.

3.    Establishing strong Public Health Laboratory networks.  Public Health Laboratories are essential for conducting laboratory-based surveillance of infectious diseases and for providing diagnostic services to confirm causes of outbreaks or to direct treatment of ill individuals.

4.    Building a skilled and capable workforce. A primary focus of public health system strengthening is to build the workforce needed to staff key national public health institutions, conduct the core functions of public health and implement and manage critical health programs. Field epidemiology training programs are perhaps the most important tool for building a skilled and capable public health workforce.

5.    Implementing key public health programs by linking data to action, specifically the application of scientific evidence to prevention and control of disease.

6.    Supporting critical operational and applied research to develop local solutions that helps the country develop local expertise and capacity to conduct priority research activities.

The activities of this organization are intended to protect, promote and restore the people's health. The established programs, services and institutions involved will strengthen capacities in the Republic of Somaliland to prevent , detect and control infectious diseases in animals and people with an emphasis on early identification of , as well as outbreak investigation and response to dangerous pathogens from all sources before they can become significant threats to human health. 

Specific activities include: strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity ; enhanced monitoring of zoonotic pathogens pathogens in people with frequent contact with wildlife,in-service Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) and supporting outbreak response when requested.

The ultimate goal of these public health activities are: to reduce the amount of disease, premature death and disease produced discomfort and disability in the population.

For more detailed information about activities and their impact please check the link below:

Somaliland CDC Strategic Planning Guide

Once the infrastructure is complete and functional it will initially serve the population of the Capital City of the Republic of Somaliland, Hargeisa with a population of about one million. Ultimately, in five years this public health agency and its satellite locations or a network of public health laboratories will serve the whole population of the Republic of Somaliland which is estimated to be about 4 million. The solution will impact the current population of the Republic of Somaliland. We will scale the solution by reaching more people with the same impact.Money will be used to build the infrastructure which will include the planning ,construction and equipping of a national public health laboratory, offices for an epidemiology department including the necessary information technology and staff training and development. Money to build the infrastructure and initial staff development will be secured through grants and donations from other countries. Running costs will be provided by the current national government.

Within the next year my goal is to complete the strategic plan and business plan and secure funding for the design and construction of the public health laboratory and offices for the field epidemiology department including the purchase of equipment and supplies for both . With in the next five years our goal to complete the construction of the facilities, and completion the  internal core functions including: planning, leadership and management, health and safety, laboratory safety, human resources management, staff recruitment and development, management of organizational internal communication, management of organizational external communication, information technology and financial management.  Within the next five years our goal is to complete the foundation of the external core functions including:

1. Population health status assessment
2. Management of public health information
3. Health communication
4. Laboratory services
5. Surveillance services
6. Surveillance for acute episodes
7. Sentinel surveillance services
8. Reporting of acute public health events
9. Investigation of acute public health events
10. Emergency preparedness and response
11. Implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR).
12. Data-to-Action
13. Strategic Data Collection development
14. Public health workforce development
15. Development of public health recommendations
16. Public Health research

Currently we have not secured any funding for the project. We shared information about our plan with the the Global Health Security unit at the Centers for Disease Control through representatives from the IANPHI secretariat. We are waiting for a response.

We also shared our project plans with the Taiwan Centers for Disease control and are waiting for a response from their ministry of external affairs.

We have hopes that other governments in the region will fund the laboratory facility and other infrastructure components when approached because of their proximity to the region and because of their business and other strategic interests in the region.

We are aware that the whole world is very much aware of the utility and importance of this type of initiative especially at this critical time of the Covid-19 pandemic and may be ready and willing to my make the necessary investments for our future global health security.

The world wide spread of Covid-19 has once again shown that disease knows no borders and that no gaps should exist in the global epidemic prevention network.

We would be very much be interested and appreciative if MIT would play the role of sponsor and or partner in the planning and implementation of this important and valuable initiative.

Currently we have not secured any funding for the project. We shared information about our plan with the the Global Health Security unit at the Centers for Disease Control, USA through representatives from the IANPHI secretariat. We are waiting for a response.

We also shared our project plans with the Taiwan Centers for Disease control and waiting for a response

We have hopes that other governments in the region might fund the facility and other infrastructure components of the project if approached because of their business and other strategic interests in the region.

We are aware that the whole world is very much aware of the utility and importance of this type of initiative and ready and willing to my make the necessary investments for our future global health security. The world wide spread of Covid-19 has once again shown that disease knows no borders and that no gaps should exist in the global epidemic prevention network.

The government of the Republic of Somaliland is willing to provide all kinds of supports both financial and material resources it can to make this initiative come to fruition.

We would be very grateful and appreciative if MIT would play the role of sponsor and or partner in the planning and initial implementation of this public health initiative.

Our solution team is not part of a larger organization. We are concerned citizens who volunteered our time and money to make the dream of Somaliland CDC come to fruition for the sake of the people of Somaliland, the Horn of Africa and for the global health security in general.

The end result of this initiative is the establishment the Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the National Public Health Laboratory staffed with qualified public health personnel that can address challenges to public health in the Republic of Somaliland and beyond.

Currently only one person, myself. Once in a while I make consultation with Dr. Sue Binder Senior Advisor for Public Health Practice, IANPHI U.S. Office, Emory University Global Health Institute.Once we get seed funding or promise of funding a board of directors/ implementation workforce will be instituted to oversee the project implementation and management of the institutions.

Industrious and experienced public health specialist and health project manager directing project development, planning, implementation, and monitoring. Considerable experience in working with multidisciplinary teams, coordinating field work, performing qualitative and quantitative analysis writing clear and concise reports and presenting findings. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Adept in cross-cultural situations.

The following outlines selected experience and qualifications that I will bring to this position:

  Degrees in Medicine and Public Health.

 Over 20 years’ experience in health project and program administration.

 Considerable experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams.        

 Highly developed research and analytic skills.

 Highly organized, with the ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.

 Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and decision making abilities.

 Strong computer skills including specialized training and experience in database systems. 

The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) is a global initiative that aims to develop stronger and more coordinated public health systems through the development and support of national public health institutes (NPHIs). IANPHI is also a professional association for NPHI directors, providing a platform for advocacy and collective action in addressing public health challenges and opportunities. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan and international colleagues, IANPHI is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other donors, its member institutions, and private-sector partners. IANPHI currently has 84 members and has supported projects in more than 35 countries. Its Emory University Office, in partnership with its membership Secretariat in Helsinki, Finland, leads capacity building projects in over 35 countries around the world.

Dr. Sue Binder Senior Advisor for Public Health Practice, IANPHI U.S. Office, Emory University Global Health Institute

Dr. Sue Binder serves as IANPHI’s senior advisor for public health practice. Dr. Binder served 20 years at the US CDC, in positions in environmental health, infectious diseases, and injury prevention and control. Dr. Binder has received numerous awards, including CDC’s highest honor, the William C. Watson Medal of Excellence; the Arthur S. Fleming Award for Management; and awards from the American Public Health Association and other CDC partner organizations. Dr. Binder has published extensively in the scientific literature and is on the faculty of Emory University School of Public Health.

Dr. Binder provides me technical support and information on document preparation and contacts with CDC.

This will be a national public health agency.The aim of the institutions is to apply solutions to public health problems. Grants and donations will contribute to the establishment of the institutions including the initial design and construction of the public health laboratory and training of manpower and staff development. Activities will focus on pathogen detection as well as outbreak investigation and response. Specific activities will include: strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity; enhanced monitoring for zoonotic pathogens in people with frequent contact with wildlife; in-service Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP); and supporting outbreak response when requested.

The institution will acquire the resources (financial and human) it needs to do its work through government funding . The national government is expected to pay the recurrent costs,  sometimes with the assistance of donors. In the future the ultimate goal is to achieve sustainability by enabling the institution to support itself financially in innovative ways including fee for service, training and consultancy fees.

The Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control's laboratories will figure substantially in its public health strategic plan. They will be critical to the Somaliland CDC achieving its public health mission. 

The Somaliland CDC and other organizations throughout the country often will use the Somaliland CDC’s laboratory results to inform public health program and policy decisions. The Somaliland CDC’s efforts will have demonstrable impact on quality in some laboratories in the country and on the prevention and control of infectious diseases in the country and region. 

In the future the ultimate goal is to achieve sustainability by enabling the organization to support itself financially in innovative ways including fee for service, training and consultancy fees.

Currently The Republic of Somaliland lacks the epidemiologic and public health laboratory capabilities at levels now available in other countries of the region. This lack of technical capacity and diagnostic laboratory services inhibits the nation’s ability to protect its population from communicable diseases and environmental hazards.

To meet these challenges, The Republic of Somaliland needs to establish public health institutions that meet international standards including a Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Somaliland CDC) and a national public health laboratory. Together, these organizations will monitor and detect diseases and other health threats, and address public health challenges, protect the health and welfare of all Somalilanders and contribute to the global health security. It needs the help of all stakeholders and partners to build these institutions.

The Republic of Somaliland is seeking partners to support improvements in national public health systems through evaluation and assistance, grant support and efforts focused on advocacy for a National Public Health agency  (Somaliland CDC), collaboration, and sustainability. 

Our partnership goal is to be provided with direct funding to the government of the Republic of Somaliland a poor and low income country, that is unrecognized to build and strengthen national public health capacity through development of of the Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control, A public health agency. The aim is to build a public health laboratory and offices for field epidemiologists including supplies and equipment and training of personnel.

We would like to partner with The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI)  a global initiative that aims to develop stronger and more coordinated public health systems through the development and support of national public health institutes (NPHIs). IANPHI is also a professional association for NPHI directors, providing a platform for advocacy and collective action in addressing public health challenges and opportunities.

Founded in 2001 by Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan and international colleagues, IANPHI is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other donors, its member institutions, and private-sector partners. IANPHI currently has 84 members and has supported projects in more than 35 countries.

Its Emory University Office, in partnership with its membership Secretariat in Helsinki, Finland, leads capacity building projects in over 35 countries around the world.

We would also wish to partner with MIT organizations, faculty members, or solve members engaged in this type of work.

I am qualified for this prize because I was engaged voluntarily in the planning, communicating, marketing and development of the idea of Somaliland Center for Disease Prevention and Control long before Covid-19.

I saw the problem , the need and the gaps. I have not received any funding from any source up to the present time. All the money received through the Elevate Price will be utilized for the development of strategic plans, business plans , facility design and marketing and development and staff recruitment and development.

It will never be used as a source of income or for personal use. It will be managed through and with Solve Members or Faculty Members to achieve the intended goals.