Exploring Somalia’s Struggling Hospitals: The Impact of Aid Cuts and Conflict on Healthcare

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Farmer Yusuf Bulle traveled to Mogadishu because he needed help for his 3-year-old son, who was severely malnourished. They spent 15 days at Banadir Hospital, the only place that could save him. “Where I come from, there is no hospital,” Bulle explained.

Somalia, one of the world’s poorest countries, faces a major healthcare crisis. Cuts to U.S. funding have left many without support. More than 6,000 health workers lost their jobs, and around 2,000 health facilities were affected. This loss is staggering in a country where basic healthcare is already scarce. According to the Center for Global Development, Somalia is among the most vulnerable to dwindling donor support.

While violence from militants like al-Shabab has decreased, many believe healthcare has suffered in the fight against them. “Security remains the first priority,” said Mahad Wasuge, director of the Somali Public Agenda think tank. This focus has left many rural areas without functioning hospitals, forcing people to travel long distances through unsafe regions for care.

Banadir Hospital and De Martino Hospital are among the few options in Mogadishu. Banadir was built with Chinese aid in 1977, while De Martino has roots that go back to Italian colonial times in 1922. Officials at both hospitals express concern that without international support, their operations would come to a halt. The malnutrition unit at Banadir, for example, relies entirely on donor funding through organizations like Concern Worldwide.

De Martino Hospital is also relying on support from various humanitarian groups. Director Dr. Abdirahim Omar Amin is worried about the future as contracts set to expire could leave them in a tough spot. He noted that parents are hesitant to bring their children for vaccinations due to fears of militant attacks, which could lead to increased health problems like a diphtheria outbreak.

Funding issues extend beyond these hospitals. This year, Somalia’s Ministry of Health received $91 million, a significant rise from $52 million last year. However, most of this funding still comes from outside donors, which isn’t sustainable.

A recent report showed that over 60% of health facilities in Somalia lack essential medicines and are unable to provide necessary care. It’s a stark reminder of how external funding is crucial yet unreliable.

There is also a pressing need for a national healthcare plan. Many feel that focusing on security and fighting al-Shabab comes at the cost of addressing basic health needs. Lawmaker Mohamed Adam Dini stated, “A lot of diseases have been spreading unchecked.”

Somalia’s healthcare system, once vibrant, has been severely damaged by years of conflict. The current government struggles to rebuild amidst ongoing violence and a lack of resources. International donors, including those from the U.S. and the UK, play a vital role, but many now express fatigue with ongoing needs.

In the end, while the fight against al-Shabab might be showing some success, it’s clear that healthcare is an urgent issue that needs attention, just as pressing as security. Without a strong healthcare system, the well-being of future generations remains at risk.

For more detailed insights into Somalia’s healthcare crisis, you can visit the World Health Organization’s report on health in Somalia.

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Health care costs, Health, AP A-Wire, Wires bot