UNFPA partners with KS-Relief to deliver better maternal and reproductive health in Somalia

SOMALIA—United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Somalia has in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KS-Relief) launched a project to improve access to quality maternal and reproductive healthcare in Somalia.

The initiative between UNFPA and KS-Relief as well as the Ministry of Health Somalia, aims to address the critical healthcare needs of vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls impacted by displacement and humanitarian crises.

The project will enhance access to comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care, strengthen capacity in reproductive health services, and improve supply chain management, especially in the most vulnerable communities in Somalia.

The program unveiling was attended by the Head of KS-Relief Somalia, Mr. Yaziid Hamoud, Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Haji Adan, H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Mawlid, Ambassador to Somalia from Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Sabaax Juneed, Ambassador of the Arab League.

Also present were, The Chairman of the Somali National Disaster Management Agency of (SoDMa), Mr. Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, and the Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Haji Adan as well as representatives from various UN agencies including UNFPA Representative Niyi Ojuolape.

H.E. Al-Mawlid reaffirmed, “This health and humanitarian project aims to provide essential services for pregnant women and girls in Somalia, strengthening national institutions and health service providers to build a responsive health infrastructure.”

H.E. Al-Mawlid added that KS-Relief was an extension of the Kingdom’s developmental and humanitarian initiatives, guided by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

His Excellency, also expressed, “We aspire to launch more projects that foster a bright and promising future.”

Niyi Ojuolape on behalf of UNFPA acknowledged the generous support of KS Relief and emphasized that the project addressed the critical health needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls affected by displacement and humanitarian crises.

Ojuolape also noted that by improving access to quality maternal and reproductive health services, the program would save lives and ensure the well-being of Somali women and girls.

Mr. Yaziid Hamoud also noted that the project would improve access to positive health services, maternal health, and the overall quality of vulnerable communities in six regions.

“Hence the capacity of national institutions is stronger, and they are able to respond to the health needs of the population, especially the health of women”, Mr. Hamoud conveyed.

Minister Dr. Adan welcomed the Saudi support and acknowledged UNFPA’s role as a partner.

Dr. Adan said, “The Ministry of Health is proud to be a valuable partner of UNFPA Somalia. Together, we have worked tirelessly to provide essential healthcare services to the people of Somalia. As a government, we are thrilled to be part of this critical project launch, aimed at improving the quality of the healthcare system in Somalia.”

The event marks an important milestone in the collaborative efforts of UNFPA and KSRelief to improve maternal and reproductive health in Somalia.

Maternal and Reproductive Health in Somalia

The World Health Organisation paints a grim picture of healthcare in the country observing that Somalia has some of the lowest-ranked health indicators worldwide.

Moreover, this is due to several decades of civil war that have diminished Somalia’s health system and displaced 2.6 million people within the country.

Somalia ranks 6th globally, with one of the highest maternal mortality rates (MMR) of 692 per 100,000 live births in the world notes the Somalia Health Demographic Survey report of 2020. 

Additionally, access to skilled birth attendance and facility-based deliveries has decreased from 36 percent in 2011 to 32 percent in 2020.

The Somalia Institute for Health Research reports that specific associated factors have been stated to include a high rate of teenage pregnancy i.e., 20% of girls from 15-19 have already got their first pregnancy.

As well as a high fertility rate i.e., 6.9 children per woman, low uptake of modern methods of family planning at only 1% of the potential population, and a high prevalence of female genital cutting at 99%, the highest globally.

The institute observed, unfortunately, there was low antenatal and postnatal coverage of 32%, and 10% respectively.

As Somalia begins to emerge from decades of civil war, it is imperative that comprehensive reproductive health issues are included on the national agenda and that partners on the ground e.g., UNFPA perspectives are incorporated into future policies and interventions.

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