Somalia

COVID-19 is placing a significant burden on Somalia’s fragile healthcare system, and some routine activities, such as immunisation and nutrition programs are being affected. We have reduced some non-essential activities to focus on the most immediate, lifesaving activities, in anticipation of reduced staff and supplies during the crisis. 

At our medical activities in Las Anod, Galkayo and Baidoa, we have set up infection prevention and control and COVID-19-specific trainings to protect our frontline staff. We are increasing health promotion activities and providing technical advice and logistical support to set up isolation structures.

In Hargeisa in the region of Somaliland, as part of a task force composed of different NGOs, we are providing support to the local Ministry of Health to establish a COVID-19 centre. Our support has included donations of infection prevention and control materials and the training of Emergency Room staff and ambulance drivers.

Access to food, water, sanitation, health services and shelter is irregular and insufficient. Attacks, bombs and targeted assassinations remain frequent. Children are suffering particularly and there is an urgent need for preventive activities such as vaccinations, as well as lifesaving emergency care.

Children’s healthcare

Our focus is on malnutrition and paediatric care. We support a therapeutic feeding program, outpatient and inpatient paediatric services and emergency room at the Mudug regional hospital in North Galkayo, and the maternity and paediatric wards of the regional hospital in Baidoa.