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.