There has never been a more opportune time to ensure Somalis have better access to health, education, sanitation, and nutrition. With the voices of Somalis from more than 100,000 households—documented across two phases of The Somali Health and Demographic Survey (SHDS)—presented in this report, policymakers and stakeholders now have access to rich and diverse information that will be key to unlocking a bright future for Somalis, particularly for women of childbearing ages and children.

A first of its kind, the report sheds light on the lives and needs of nomadic communities—usually difficult to reach—and people living in urban and rural households. The information presented will help close gaps of inequality that have existed for years among people of different ages, lifestyles, places of residence, and health status.