Bringing Hope to Baidoa: How KSrelief is Transforming Maternal Care in Drought-Affected Somalia

Baidoa, Somalia — In the heart of drought-stricken Southwest Somalia, where the arid winds carry stories of displacement and struggle, hope has found a new voice through the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). Amid the harsh realities faced by thousands in Baidoa, KSrelief's support is reshaping maternal healthcare, offering not just services but life-saving interventions to vulnerable women and children.

For Maano Abdi Ali, a 37-year-old mother of nine, the drought was more than an environmental crisis—it was a battle for survival. Living in the Balanbal Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Maano had always delivered her children at home, without the safety net of professional medical care. That changed when UNFPA, with the implementation support of READO and the generous backing of KSrelief, brought health awareness sessions to her community.

“I have given birth to nine children in my own home and my mother’s home. This is my first time giving birth in a hospital,” Maano shared with a grateful smile, reflecting on the transformative experience. “Thank you, UNFPA and READO, for giving me these services and the knowledge I gained from the awareness sessions.”

At eight months pregnant, Maano attended one of READO's health mobilization sessions, eager to learn about maternal health. There, she was encouraged to visit the Kulmis Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) center, established through KSrelief’s funding and UNFPA’s technical support. After receiving prenatal check-ups, including a palpation and hemoglobin test, Maano found not just medical care but a newfound confidence in her health journey.

A month later, Maano delivered her tenth child safely at the Kulmis BEmONC center—her first hospital birth. The skilled healthcare professionals provided her with the care and attention she had never experienced before. “It was a relief and a source of pride,” she recalled, her voice filled with emotion.

KSrelief's contributions have been pivotal in transforming maternal healthcare in Baidoa. By funding outreach programs and health facilities, KSrelief ensures that women like Maano receive comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. The impact goes beyond individual stories, as entire communities benefit from increased health awareness, access to professional medical services, and improved maternal and newborn health outcomes.

“Can I get any additional services like food and water?” Maano had joked during one of her check-ups, a light-hearted moment that underscored the ongoing needs of her community. But her gratitude was profound, highlighting how essential healthcare services are in regions grappling with crisis after crisis.

Thanks to KSrelief's unwavering support, combined with the dedicated implementation by UNFPA and READO, the future of maternal health in Baidoa shines a little brighter. The journey is far from over, but each safe birth, each health awareness session, and each life saved is a testament to the power of humanitarian aid in transforming lives, one mother and child at a time.