Decades of conflict, recurrent climate shocks, disease outbreaks and widespread displacement have left millions of Somalis without access to basic health and nutrition care.
Somalia has some of the worst health indicators globally, including high maternal and child mortality rates and widespread malnutrition.
The country’s health infrastructure is heavily reliant on international aid. Currently, 95% of Somalia’s health care funding is supported by external donors, leaving the entire health system vulnerable to shifts in global financing. Recent funding cuts have placed immense pressure on essential health and nutrition services.
In this challenging context, the World Health Organization (WHO) plays a central role in supporting health and nutrition services and protecting vulnerable populations.
In addition to supporting emergency preparedness and response, through routine and emergency immunization programmes and outbreak-prone disease surveillance – WHO provides public health training and capacity-building for frontline health workers. In 2021, the Organization has supported the establishment and training of 74 rapid response teams, with a particular focus on mass casualty management, as well as the creation and operation of 65 nutrition stabilization centers and 11 trauma hospitals. Furthermore, WHO has strengthened outbreak detection and control through 412 surveillance sites and 7 public health laboratories. WHO works closely with the Ministry of Health, local and international partners to ensure health services reach underserved communities, even in conflict-affected and remote areas. Its role in Somalia is not only technical – it is strategic.
Adapting to sustain impact
In response to funding constraints, the WHO Country Office in Somalia has implemented measures to reduce internal overheads while preserving impact and maintaining operations, reprioritizing activities to focus on lifesaving interventions. It is strengthening accountability through enhanced monitoring and reporting and continues to ensure staff safety in high-risk areas.
The measures it has taken help contain the impact of financial challenges. They reflect WHO’s commitment to adaptability and ensuring that resources are used as efficiently as possible to deliver essential health services.
WHO continues to actively engage with donors and partners to secure sustained support. The Organization is working closely with other UN agencies, bilateral donors and humanitarian agencies to align priorities and mobilize resources, and tirelessly advocates for the protection of health workers and the continuity of essential health and nutrition services.
At a time when the funding freezes and reductions has disrupted operations for over 60% of NGOs in Somalia and more than 1.7 million people are affected by halted projects in health, nutrition, WASH and education, WHO leadership in coordinating a unified response and ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind is more important than ever.
Strategic engagement and resource mobilization
In response to the impact of funding challenges, WHO Somalia has adopted a proactive, multipronged approach to external relations and resource mobilization. This includes strengthening ties with traditional donors through closer collaboration, Ministry of Health-led advocacy efforts such as a side event on the margins of the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly and exploring multi-agency projects in line with the One-UN approach.
WHO is expanding outreach to emerging and non-traditional donors, including Gulf Cooperation Council countries and private sector partners and philanthropies. The Country Office invests heavily in donor reporting, showcasing operational capacity through strategic communications, and is fully engaged in external evaluations and audits, demonstrating transparency and ensuring that WHO Somalia’s programmes remain relevant, needs based and fit for purpose.
Leadership and resilience
In one of the world’s most difficult operating environments, WHO continues to demonstrate leadership, adaptability and accountability. Its work in Somalia highlights the power of resilience, solidarity and the importance of sustained investment in health systems.
“Continued financial support remains essential to safeguarding the progress made in improving health outcomes and preventing further strain on an already fragile health system,” said WHO Representative in Somalia Dr Renee Van de Weerdt.
As Somalia’s health needs grow, WHO is committed to support essential health and nutrition service delivery, protecting lives and building a healthier future for all.