Pressured and overwhelmed, Somalia health minister considers resignation

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Pressured and overwhelmed, Somalia health minister considers resignation

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) Somalia Health Minister, Dr Fawsiya Abikar Nur is on the verge of resigning from her position in a time when the Horn of African country faces another desperate situation as COVID-19 cases spiral, sources within Somali Prime

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Pressured and overwhelmed, Somalia health minister on the verge of resigning.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) Somalia Health Minister, Dr Fawsiya Abikar Nur is on the verge of resigning from her position in a time when the Horn of African country faces another desperate situation as COVID-19 cases spiral, sources within Somali Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Health told Horn Observer.

Minister Fawsiya has been working under pressure following the appointment of key members from the Office of the Prime Minister to takeover her responsibilities. Tired and unmotivated, On Thursday, shortly before her daily press briefing, Minister Fawsiya decided to end her cabinet portfolio after officers from the PM's office informed her to only release data from the PM's office without the input of the Health Ministry.

"The committee led by staffers at the PM's office are editing the data. Minister Fawsiya several times complained against this. At one point they are manipulating the figures about Covid-19 for public relations," the source told Horn Observer "The Minister sees independence as key to her job during the pandemic. That is not happening at all."

The fast-spreading COVID-19 pandemic that was first confirmed in the country on 16 March has, as of Saturday, reached 997 with 48 deaths. Two health officers at the Ministry told Horn Observer that Minister Fawsiya's resignation could have a devastating impact on Somalia's efforts to fight the virus.

"The Health Minister is now under pressure and threatened by the PM's people. Even if she resigns she could be in trouble," the source adds.

On 28 March, the Prime Minister appointed two of his staffers: Abdirahman Sharif and Muhumed Hussein to coordinate the international support meant for the country to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Contrary to the PM's appointment, Minister Fawsiya on 16 April, appointed senior director from her ministry to lead the efforts to fight the virus but it soon followed arrests of six Ministry of Health officials who are currently in jail over fraud allegations.

Dr Fawsiya's ministry has also came under fire after the death of nine Covid-19 victims at De Martini hospital on 27 April. Authorities have never revealed relevant facts surrounding that incident and the confusion surrounding the countries preparedness to protect citizens from the virus.

When Horn Observer contacted Dr Fawsiya, she declined to respond to our queries.

(HORN OBSERVER)