📢 Introduction
Maternal and child health (MCH) is a fundamental pillar of public health, influencing the well-being of communities and the development of nations. 🌍 In Somalia, where healthcare access remains limited, MCH challenges are particularly severe. High maternal and infant mortality rates, compounded by malnutrition, food insecurity, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, pose significant risks to women and children.
This article explores:
✅ The role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) versus trained midwives
✅ The impact of childhood stunting on long-term health and development
✅ Key food security initiatives aimed at reducing malnutrition
Through data-driven analysis and real-world case studies, we will examine how improved healthcare strategies can break the cycle of mortality and create a healthier future for Somali mothers and children.
---
🔸 The Role of Midwifery in Maternal Health
1️⃣ Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs): Strengths and Limitations
TBAs have been central figures in Somali maternal care for generations. These community-based birth assistants provide support, comfort, and culturally appropriate care to expectant mothers. However, due to their lack of formal medical training, TBAs are often unable to manage obstetric complications.
⚠️ Challenges of TBA-led deliveries:
➖ High risk of maternal and neonatal mortality
➖ Limited ability to handle postpartum hemorrhage, infections, or obstructed labor
➖ Lack of sterile environments and proper hygiene practices
🟢 Strengths of TBAs:
✔️ Strong community trust and cultural acceptance
✔️ Ability to provide emotional and psychological support
✔️ Accessibility in remote areas
2️⃣ The Shift Toward Skilled Midwifery: A Life-Saving Solution
Unlike TBAs, trained midwives possess professional qualifications that enable them to:
✅ Provide antenatal care (ANC) and identify high-risk pregnancies
✅ Assist in safe deliveries and manage obstetric emergencies
✅ Educate mothers on postnatal care and breastfeeding
✅ Prevent infections through proper hygiene and sterilization
📌 Statistics on Midwifery in Somalia:
According to the UNFPA, Somalia has only 429 trained midwives—a dangerously low number given that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of 1 midwife per 175 births.
📢 Urgent Actions Needed:
🔹 Expansion of midwifery training programs
🔹 Increased government investment in maternal healthcare
🔹 Strengthening referral systems for complicated births
---
🔸 Childhood Stunting: A Hidden Crisis in Somalia
1️⃣ What is Stunting?
Childhood stunting refers to a child’s failure to reach their expected height due to chronic malnutrition. It is a silent but severe public health crisis affecting millions of children worldwide.
✔️ Stunting weakens immune function, increasing susceptibility to diseases
✔️ It impairs cognitive development, leading to poor academic performance
✔️ Stunted children are more likely to experience economic hardships in adulthood
2️⃣ Causes of Stunting in Somalia
⚠️ Malnutrition during pregnancy: Inadequate maternal nutrition can lead to poor fetal growth.
⚠️ Lack of exclusive breastfeeding: Only 5% of Somali children receive proper exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
⚠️ Poor dietary diversity: Many Somali children rely on staple grains but lack protein and micronutrients.
3️⃣ Addressing Stunting: Practical Solutions
✅ Nutrition education programs: Training mothers on breastfeeding and complementary feeding
✅ Micronutrient supplementation: Providing iron, folic acid, and vitamin A to children and pregnant women
✅ Community-based growth monitoring: Identifying at-risk children early for timely intervention
---
🔸 Food Security: A Key to Reducing Malnutrition
1️⃣ Understanding Food Insecurity in Somalia
Somalia is frequently affected by droughts, conflicts, and economic instability, making food security a persistent issue. More than 6.5 million Somalis face food shortages every year, with devastating effects on maternal and child health.
💡 Key Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity:
✔️ Climate change and recurrent droughts
✔️ Disruptions in food supply chains due to conflicts
✔️ Economic hardship and high food prices
2️⃣ Food Security Initiatives: What’s Being Done?
🟢 Emergency Food Assistance:
📢 Organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and FAO provide food aid to vulnerable populations.
🟢 Agricultural Development Programs:
📢 Training farmers in climate-resilient agriculture to increase food production.
🟢 Nutrition-Sensitive Social Protection Programs:
📢 Initiatives such as school feeding programs help provide balanced meals to children.
✔️ These strategies not only combat immediate hunger but also build long-term food resilience in Somali communities.
---
🔸 Progress and Challenges in Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality
🔹 The Good News:
✔️ Maternal mortality has declined from 1,600 per 100,000 births (1990) to 850 (2015).
✔️ Infant mortality has decreased from 152 per 1,000 births to 109.6 per 1,000 births.
✔️ Awareness about nutrition and maternal care is increasing due to health campaigns.
🔹 Challenges That Remain:
⚠️ Somalia’s maternal mortality rate is still among the highest in the world.
⚠️ Only 10% of births are attended by skilled health personnel.
⚠️ Malnutrition remains a major problem, affecting 45% of Somali children.
📢 What Needs to be Done?
✔️ Expand midwifery training and integrate TBAs into formal healthcare systems.
✔️ Strengthen food security initiatives with government and NGO support.
✔️ Improve access to maternal healthcare in rural areas through mobile health clinics.
---
🔸 Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle of Mortality
Maternal and child health is not just a healthcare issue—it’s a development priority. Addressing it requires a multisectoral approach that combines education, nutrition, and healthcare improvements.
🌍 Final Takeaways:
✅ Investing in trained midwives can significantly reduce maternal mortality.
✅ Addressing childhood stunting is crucial for long-term national development.
✅ Food security initiatives must be scaled up to provide sustainable solutions.
🔹 Call to Action: What Can You Do?
📌 Governments and policymakers: Prioritize funding for maternal and child health programs.
📌 Health professionals: Advocate for better training and deployment of midwives.
📌 Communities and individuals: Support local nutrition and maternal health initiatives.
By working together, we can save lives and build a healthier future for Somalia’s mothers and children.
.png)
.png)
