The burden of cardiovascular diseases in Somalia: a scoping review of challenges and the way forward

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are an emerging cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. In Somalia, limited and fragmented evidence has hindered accurate assessment of the national CVD burden and health-system response.Methods We conducted a descriptive scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidance to summarize the burden, clinical patterns, risk factors, and health-system capacity related to CVDs in Somalia. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024 were identified through PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, and selected regional open-access journals. Of 330 records identified, 143 were screened after duplicate removal, 45 underwent full-text assessment, and 17 met the eligibility criteria for narrative synthesis.Results Most included studies were hospital-based and conducted in Mogadishu, where specialized cardiovascular services are concentrated. Ischemic heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and rheumatic heart disease were the most frequently reported conditions. National data suggest a hypertension prevalence of 27%–28%, while dyslipidemia affects more than 70% of people with type 2 diabetes. Hospital cohorts reported a mean CVD presentation age of 50–52 years, indicating relatively premature disease onset. Cardiovascular services remain centralized, with limited diagnostic capacity and shortages of trained specialists.Conclusion Available evidence indicates a growing CVD burden in Somalia. Improved surveillance, prevention, workforce development, and decentralization of cardiovascular services are urgently required.