Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, has on Saturday inaugurated the reopening of the National Blood Bank, a vital institution for the Somali community.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritize the advancement and revitalization of social services, with a primary focus on healthcare and improved education.

He commended the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its efforts in establishing and operationalizing the blood bank, an important facility for blood storage.

“I would like to assure you that the government of Somalia remains committed to the ongoing operationalization of this National Blood Bank. Despite numerous challenges, the government places a priority on delivering quality services to the public, particularly within the education sector. We will also focus on allocating budgetary resources for the Ministry of Health in this year,” stated the Prime Minister.

Somalia, a nation grappling with prolonged conflicts and insecurity, has experienced a three-decade absence of a functional blood bank. In the midst of recurrent attacks and explosions, the reopening of the National Blood Bank assumes vital services in addressing blood shortages and rendering swift emergency aid during critical situations.

The National Blood Bank, established in 1976, has remained non-functional for nearly thirty years. Its revival will address the need for accessible blood resources.