Wednesday August 14, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – The Banadir regional administration has arrested at least 35 workers in Mogadishu who were found to be living with infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Banadir regional administration spokesperson Salah Dhere stated that some of the arrested people were aware of their conditions, and others had unknowingly been living with the diseases.
The individuals held various jobs across the Somali capital, including roles in critical sectors such as healthcare and food services.
The spokesperson revealed that among those detained were four foreign nationals, including doctors, cooks, and salon workers, who have since been deported to prevent the potential spread of the diseases within the Somali community.
Salah Dhere emphasized that ongoing investigations are being conducted on other foreign workers and individuals in key positions to ensure public health safety in the capital.
Furthermore, the Banadir regional administration's sanitation department reported that 300 more individuals have been diagnosed with other infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B and C. These individuals are currently employed in the community.
This wave of arrests follows an intensified effort by Mogadishu's sanitation department to conduct mandatory health checks on workers in commercial areas throughout the city to curb the spread of infectious diseases and protect public health.