Somalia cannot outbreak-respond its way out of a climate crisis: Building health sovereignty througone health

Abstract

Somalia faces recurrent climate shocks that intensify food insecurity, displacement, service disruption, and infectious-disease risk. Although outbreak response remains essential, repeated emergency action cannot address the structural conditions that sustain vulnerability. This commentary argues for a shift from reactive outbreak control toward climate-resilient health security grounded in health sovereignty and One Health. We propose integrated climate–One Health early warning, stronger surveillance, resilient WASH and primary healthcare, anticipatory financing, and locally led capacity to prevent climate-sensitive health emergencies before they escalate.