Somalia pushes for universal coverage
4 min read
This week, the importance of ensuring access to healthcare for all Somalis was highlighted during an event in Mogadishu to mark Universal Health Coverage Day (UHCD). Dr. Ahmed Adam Mohamed, Senior Adviser for Health System Strengthening at the Ministry of Health and Human Services, acknowledged the challenges Somalia faces in achieving universal health coverage, especially for those in remote regions. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts from the government, international partners, and citizens to overcome these hurdles.
The current health coverage in Somalia is low, with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) service coverage index at only 27 out of 100, the lowest in the world. Dr. Marina Madeo, a Health Policy Advisor with the World Health Organization (WHO), noted that while much work remains, there are signs of improvement. She mentioned that the government, healthcare professionals, universities, and the international community are committed to advancing UHC in Somalia.
The event, held at the National Museum of Somalia, brought together researchers, students, artists, civil society representatives, and UN officials. Dr. Najib Isse Dirie, Deputy Rector for Research and Consultancy at SIMAD University, drew attention to Somalia’s tragic record of maternal mortality, where 692 out of every 100,000 women die during childbirth. He stressed that the global shift toward UHC aims to address such health disparities and improve healthcare access.
The gathering was organized by the Ministry of Health, WHO, and the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia’s Human Rights and Protection Group (HRPG). It aimed to raise awareness about UHC and the right to health. Kirsten Young, Chief of HRPG at UNTMIS, explained that UHC from a human rights perspective means healthcare that is accessible, available, acceptable, and of high quality. She highlighted the importance of providing health information in Somalia’s many languages and dialects, emphasizing that art is also an effective tool to communicate healthcare messages.
The National Museum of Somalia was an ideal venue for this event, as it plays a key role in educating the public on critical issues such as healthcare access. Dr. Osman Gedow Amir, Director of the Museum, spoke about the importance of raising public awareness about healthcare and how the museum can contribute to educating Somalis about their rights and healthcare options.
Somalia’s health system faces multiple challenges, including ongoing conflict, the effects of climate change, and inadequate funding. Communities in rural and remote areas are particularly vulnerable, often lacking the necessary information about healthcare services. Somalia currently ranks at the bottom of the UHC index, reflecting the limited access to essential health services.
To address these challenges, Somali health authorities, the National Museum, SIMAD University, WHO, and UNTMIS are working together to improve the availability and accessibility of healthcare information. This effort includes developing clear messages that inform people about the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of healthcare services.
Ms. Young emphasized the importance of making healthcare information accessible and understandable, particularly for those in remote areas. “You can only access healthcare if you have information that you trust and understand,” she said. The event was a step toward ensuring that healthcare information is available in multiple Somali dialects, so it reaches a broader audience across the country.
Participants at the event welcomed the initiative to translate healthcare materials into various Somali dialects. Safiya Jeylaani, a participant from Barawe in Southwest State, expressed her gratitude for the translation of healthcare materials into her own Barawani dialect. She urged the Ministry of Health to continue translating important healthcare information into all Somali dialects to ensure it reaches every citizen.
UHCD commemorates the United Nations’ unanimous endorsement of universal health coverage in 2012, and the global effort to achieve this goal is rooted in the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Universal health coverage is central to the right to health and aims to ensure that everyone, especially marginalized populations, has access to the healthcare they need without financial hardship.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by UN member states in 2015, emphasize the importance of universal health coverage as part of a broader effort to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve global well-being. WHO has noted that healthier populations lead to stronger, more resilient communities. However, more than half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services, and UHC will remain out of reach unless governments invest adequately in protecting vulnerable populations from the financial burden of health expenses.
In Somalia, efforts to achieve UHC are gaining momentum, but much work remains. The collaboration between the Somali government, international organizations, and the public is critical to ensuring that all Somalis have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their location or financial situation.
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