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Routine vaccines are free at every public health facility Details

About the Ministry

Puntland Ministry of Health

To support the people of Puntland to achieve better health, improve health outcomes and provide quality health services across all regions.

Overview

Who we are

The Ministry of Health is the government institution responsible for the health of the people of Puntland State of Somalia. It sets health policy, regulates the health sector, and delivers services through regional health offices, hospitals, health centres, maternal and child health centres and primary health units across the regions of Puntland, in partnership with national and international organisations.

The Ministry of Health was re-established in 2001 following the formation of the Puntland State of Somalia in 1998, rebuilding public health administration after the collapse of national institutions. Since then it has developed a network of regional health offices and public facilities, adopted the Essential Package of Health Services, launched its health sector strategic plans (including HSSP II, 2017–2021), carried out the first Puntland Health and Demographic Survey in 2020, and in 2026 inaugurated the Puntland Public Health Institute and appointed the Puntland Health Professionals Council.

Vision

A healthy and productive population that contributes to socio-economic growth and national development.

Mandate

To support the people of Puntland to achieve better health, improve health outcomes and provide quality health services across all regions.

Public commitments

  • Vaccinate every child against childhood diseases
  • Build and maintain health centres across the regions
  • Run disease-prevention awareness for communities
  • Ensure the quality of medicines

Structure

Ministry departments

All departments
Minister's OfficeSupports the Minister in policy direction, cabinet coordination, partner relations and public communication. Department of Public HealthDisease prevention, surveillance and health protection; hosts the National TB Programme (NTP) and outbreak preparedness. Department of Primary Health CareDelivers the essential package of health services through health centres, MCH centres and primary health units; hosts the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Department of Medical Health ServicesHospital services, clinical standards, referral system and emergency care; the Ministry supply chain for medicines and medical supplies sits under this department. Department of Planning, Policy and DevelopmentHealth policy, strategic planning, health information systems (HMIS), monitoring and evaluation, and coordination of development partners. Department of Human ResourcesHealth workforce planning, recruitment, training, deployment and the human resources information system (HRMIS). Department of Administration and FinanceBudget, procurement, assets, logistics and administrative services of the Ministry. Puntland Public Health Institute (PPHI)Public health research, laboratory reference services and training; officially inaugurated by the Ministry in July 2026.