COVID-19 pandemic in Somaliland


The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached Somaliland in March 2020.

Background

Somaliland is an unrecognized country in the Horn of Africa. Its diplomatic isolation has made economic development difficult and caused the healthcare system to lag behind. ICU beds are limited, as is other medical equipment. However, the World Health Organization does collaborate with the Somaliland government.

Timeline

On March 31, the Health Minister of Somaliland announced that the government confirmed the first two cases of coronavirus in Somaliland, these two people were among the three suspects who were quarantined by Ministry of Health and had their DNA sent abroad for testing.
There is anecdotal evidence from villagers of a flu-like illness circulating in Somaliland from late March 2020, the likes of which they have never seen before; however, the villagers stated there were no deaths.

Prevention

Minister of Health Omar Ali Abdillahi created a National Task Force to respond to the pandemic.
Schools were closed, social events and gatherings prohibited, and flights and travel restricted. The government issued guidelines effective for one month starting 19 March. Entry was banned for flights and people from China, Iran, Italy, France, Kenya, Somalia, South Korea, and Spain. Khat chewing establishments were ordered closed, and special guidance was issued for mosques. However, flights to and from Ethiopia continued at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, as Somaliland's only link to the rest of the world.
The health ministry has taken steps to educate the public about the virus.
President Muse Bihi Abdi pardoned 574 prisoners and ordered them released, in order to control the spread of the virus.

Reception

American historian Michael Rubin praised Somaliland's effectiveness in controlling the virus despite its diplomatic isolation and lack of international assistance, drawing a comparison with the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan.