The University of Hargeisa, in partnership with the University of Nairobi, has taken a significant step toward strengthening healthcare education in Somaliland. A delegation led by Dr. Abdirashid Ismail Mohamed, Vice President for Administration and Development, participated in a five-day curriculum development workshop focused on the creation of advanced academic programs. This intensive workshop brought together experts from both universities and was made possible through the UK-funded Global Health Workforce Programme, supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care and Global Health Partnerships.

As a result of this collaboration, three new Master’s degree programs will officially launch in November 2025:

• MSc in Paediatric Nursing

• MSc in Emergency, Trauma and Critical Care Nursing

• MSc in Midwifery

These will be the first postgraduate specialty programs in nursing and midwifery available locally in Somaliland—a historic milestone that will significantly strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce and contribute to long-term, sustainable improvements in patient care.

The curriculum development workshop was officially opened by the Acting Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Nairobi, who emphasized the importance of regional academic collaboration in advancing healthcare systems. The event concluded with remarks from Dr. Abdirashid Ismail, who expressed gratitude to the participating experts and partners, and reaffirmed the University of Hargeisa’s commitment to aligning healthcare education with Somaliland’s national priorities.

The initiative also included close collaboration with the Somaliland Ministry of Health and Development, ensuring that the new programs are firmly grounded in the practical needs and realities of the national healthcare system. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partners at the University of Nairobi and the UK Global Health Partnerships for their continuous support in making this important achievement possible.