Thanks to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), a major donor and driving force behind maternal health improvements in Somalia, Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEMONC) centers were established in Kulmis and Bulo Jimac. These centers have been operating tirelessly to provide life-saving services to pregnant women and their children, ensuring safer pregnancies and deliveries. This intervention, made possible through KSrelief's generous support, is implemented by UNFPA with support from READO Somalia, aiming to provide comprehensive maternal and child health services to vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on IDP communities.
Farhia Isaq Nur, a 29-year-old mother of five residing in Barwaqo IDP site, exemplifies the project's transformative impact. Living in displacement and facing limited healthcare access, Farhia's situation reflected the challenges many Somali women encounter in accessing maternal healthcare. Through KSrelief-funded community outreach programs, implemented by UNFPA and supported by READO Somalia, which conduct regular awareness sessions on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), Farhia gained crucial knowledge about the importance of antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC). The program's personalized approach and consistent follow-up created a supportive environment for maternal health education.
“It’s my pleasure that READO was visiting every day to mobilize us and encourage us. They remind me that visiting MCH (Maternal and Child Health) centers for ANC and PNC is important for me and for the health of both mother and child and giving me medical support like ferro. I thank KSrelief for their dedication in making this possible, and UNFPA for ensuring its implementation.”- Farhia Isaq Nur
Inspired by the continuous awareness campaigns, Farhia visited the KSrelief-funded, UNFPA-implemented Bulo Jimac BEMONC center when she was ready to deliver her baby. With the skilled care provided by the center’s staff, she successfully gave birth to a healthy baby in a safe and supportive environment.
Farhia’s story is a testament to the importance of community engagement and access to essential health services. It highlights how KSrelief’s generous contributions, UNFPA’s implementation, and READO’s on-the-ground support can transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances.
“I thank KSrelief, UNFPA, and READO for giving me this support, and I request that these services be expanded to help more vulnerable communities living in IDPs like me. I gave birth safely in Bulo Jimac BEMONC, and I am deeply thankful to my doctor for their care and support.”- Farhia Isaq Nur
Farhia’s safe delivery is a witness to the impact of KSrelief’s unwavering support, UNFPA’s expert implementation, consistent awareness, accessible healthcare, and skilled medical assistance. Through KSrelief’s commitment, UNFPA’s leadership, and READO’s community outreach, mothers like Farhia are empowered to seek essential services, ensuring healthier outcomes for both them and their children.
Looking Forward
Following Farhia’s successful delivery, her advocacy for expanded services reflects the program's success and the community's growing awareness of maternal health importance.
“I thank KSrelief, UNFPA, and READO for this support and request these services be expanded to help more vulnerable communities in IDP sites,” she says. “My safe delivery at Bulo Jimac BEMONC center is testament to their exceptional care and support.”
Farhia’s story serves as a reminder that every effort made toward improving maternal and child health in Somalia contributes to building a healthier, more resilient society. KSrelief remains the cornerstone of this mission, providing the crucial funding needed to sustain these efforts. UNFPA, as the key implementing partner, ensures the effective execution of these interventions, while READO continues to support on-the-ground outreach, proving that together, we can overcome even the toughest challenges in reproductive health.
