Public health in Somalia has been impacted directly (civil unrest and violence) and indirectly (diseases and/or malnutrition) from both man-made and natural disasters, most acutely since the collapse of the central Somali government in 1990. Most susceptible to the constant threat of concurrent droughts, food insecurity and civil unrest have been the most vulnerable in society, namely women, children, old people and people living in poverty.
Malnutrition in Somalia is at a crisis level, and it has been projected by the humanitarian organizations that over 900,000 children were faced with acute malnourishment, a quarter of them likely to be severely affected. SSYDO wants to work in health sector to improve the health of vulnerable populations in Somalia through the establishment of local health facilities, providing sustainable health services, increasing access to basic health amongst the poor and saving lives through provision of emergency medical services.
Reproductive Health
This is done through: Behavioral Change Communication (BCC), awareness and sensitization, guidance and counseling, distribution of Information Education and Communication materials, HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing and community outreaches.
Mental Health
Due to the war in Somalia, SSYDO has identified the post war effects in youth characterized by street life, alcoholism, drug and substance abuse. SSYDO is looking for funding for this project. It will be implemented through: guidance and counseling, radio talk shows, Youth rehabilitation and skills promotion/capacity building center and community outreach. This is an area not being supported by any organization and the Government facilities are lacking. We feel there is need for an immediate response to this programme. Lack of adequate health care combined with limited access to water are key issues associated with high incidences of malnutrition and outbreaks of waterborne diseases which claim hundreds of Somali lives annually.
IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS, SSYDO WILL IMPROVE ON THE FOLLOWING AREA
- Expansion of the program into different regions in Southern Somalia.
- Improve The gap in funding/sustainability and Investment in health infrastructure such as building and equipment.
- Increase Recruitment of Qualified staff such as nurses, midwives and Doctors.
- Improvement on organizational capacity such as sanitation and hygiene programs.
- Improve emergency responses to health issues and the organizational response to these emergencies.
- Improve information management of health sectors.