Somalia Participates in High-Level Global Summit On Maternal and Child Health in Geneva

Somalia Reaffirms Commitment to Maternal and Child Health

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality. This was highlighted at an international summit focused on health outcomes for mothers and newborns. The event took place in Geneva during the World Health Assembly. It included major global health actors like UN agencies, donor countries, and development partners.

Dr. Guled Abdijalil Ali represented Somalia at the summit. He is the Director General of the Ministry of Health and Human Services. In his keynote speech, he discussed Somalia's recent achievements and ongoing challenges in healthcare.

Attendees included senior representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, and the Global Fund. Ministers and officials from over a dozen countries were also present. Representatives from global donor agencies and foundations participated as well.

The meeting aimed to develop strategies to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. It also focused on increasing access to vaccinations. Securing sustainable funding for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services was another key topic.

Dr. Guled provided an update on Somalia's efforts in healthcare. He highlighted the introduction of vital vaccines like PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) and Rotavirus vaccine. These vaccines help prevent deadly infections in children.

He also mentioned strategic health plans aimed at reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns. However, a critical financing gap remains a barrier to delivering lifesaving services in remote areas.

Somalia has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates globally. This situation is worsened by decades of conflict, displacement, and underinvestment in healthcare systems. According to WHO data:
- Somalia records about 829 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
- There are approximately 78 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

Dr. Guled urged the global community to honor previous commitments made at past assemblies. He emphasized that real funding must reach communities on the ground for effective change.

"If we want Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030," he said, "maternal and child health must be prioritized."

The Ministry of Health plans several initiatives:
- Expand vaccination programs to underserved rural areas.
- Increase trained midwives and birth attendants.
- Scale up mobile health clinics for nomadic populations.
- Strengthen partnerships with local NGOs.

Additionally, Somalia calls for long-term investments in its health sector. Integration of maternal and child health into climate resilience planning is essential too. Support for data systems and training for healthcare workers is also needed.