Dr
Sakariya cabdixaashi
Mohamed
Dr
Sakariya cabdixaashi
Mohamed
One health specialist
Soomalia national university SNU
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My name is Sakariya Abdihaashi Mohamed, a Somali national and an emerging leader in One Health, veterinary medicine, and youth civic engagement. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at Somalia National University, specializing in the interdisciplinary One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to strengthen resilience and promote global well-being.
With over 10 years of experience in One Health, I have worked extensively at the intersection of public health, animal health, and environmental sustainability. Since 2015, I have led and participated in vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance, and awareness programs while also advocating for climate change adaptation, environmental protection, and sustainable land use. This decade of experience has given me both technical expertise and leadership skills in low-resource and fragile contexts.
I serve as the Local Coordinator for African Students For Liberty (ASFL) in Somalia, empowering young people through leadership training, civic engagement, and policy dialogues. Additionally, I hold a leadership role in the Somalia Green Peace Association, where I champion community-based environmental initiatives, including deforestation control, waste management, and water conservation — emphasizing the link between ecosystem health and human well-being.
Internationally, I have participated in several high-level forums, including the One Health Horizon Scanning Workshop in Nairobi (March 2025) . I have also been selected to present at the One Health International Conference in India (August 2025). My research article, “The Challenges and Opportunities of the One Health Approach in Somalia,” is currently under review in an international academic journal.
My leadership is guided by dialogue, empathy, and inclusivity. I mentor young students, advocate for gender equity in science and health, and ensure that communities are active partners in shaping sustainable solutions.
Looking forward, my vision is to become a leading One Health and public health policy expert in the Horn of Africa. I aim to work with governments, grassroots organizations, and international institutions to design scalable and equitable health systems that protect people, animals, and the environment together.
In all my work, I believe that health is not only a medical issue but also a matter of justice and survival. With a decade of experience, I remain committed to bridging science and society, amplifying youth voices, and advancing global solutions for healthier, more resilient communities.
Research interests
My research interest focuses on the One Health approach in fragile and conflict-affected settings, with a particular emphasis on Somalia. I aim to explore the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in contexts where weak health systems, environmental degradation, and climate change exacerbate public health challenges.
A core area of focus is zoonotic diseases, which are widespread in Somalia due to close human-animal interactions, particularly in pastoral communities. I am interested in identifying risk factors, enhancing community awareness, and strengthening surveillance systems that bridge veterinary and human health.
I am also deeply engaged in researching antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The misuse of antibiotics in livestock, coupled with poor regulation, has created serious risks to both animal and human health. My goal is to investigate integrated policy frameworks and grassroots strategies that can reduce AMR threats in agricultural communities.
In addition, I study the impact of climate change on health in the Horn of Africa, where droughts, floods, and shifting rainfall patterns are altering disease dynamics and threatening food and water security. My research explores how climate-resilient One Health systems can strengthen adaptation and resilience at both policy and community levels.
Finally, my work emphasizes community engagement and youth empowerment, ensuring that One Health solutions are participatory and inclusive. Through research, advocacy, and international collaboration, my long-term goal is to become a leader in One Health research and policy development in East Africa, advancing integrated systems that protect both people and the planet.
Projects you're working on
1. Community-Based Zoonotic Disease Surveillance – Leading a local initiative to strengthen early detection of zoonotic diseases in rural and pastoral communities. The project trains animal health workers and community members to recognize and report unusual disease symptoms using a One Health framework.
2. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Campaign – Running a public education campaign targeting veterinary pharmacies, livestock keepers, and youth groups. The initiative promotes responsible antibiotic use and biosecurity practices to mitigate AMR risks.
3. One Health Youth Engagement Forum – As Local Coordinator of ASFL in Somalia, I organize monthly youth-led dialogues on public health, environmental sustainability, and policy advocacy, empowering young professionals and students to become change-makers.
4. Climate Change and Livestock Health Study – Collaborating with young researchers to analyze how climate variability in southern Somalia affects livestock health and food security, aiming to inform climate-resilient veterinary interventions.
5. Somalia Green Peace Environmental Education Program – Advancing environmental education in schools and communities, linking ecosystem protection to public and animal health, and promoting sustainability within the One Health framework.
Discipline
Epidemiology Ethics Virology Host species
Camels Cattle Zoonoses Pathogen
Bacteria›Salmonella Parasites Viruses Viruses›Foot-and-mouth disease virus Viruses›Rift Valley fever virus Stage of vaccine development
Antigen discovery and immunogen design Pre-clinical trials Vaccine delivery