Somalia Reaffirms Commitment to Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality at Global Summit
In a significant move to address one of the world’s most pressing health crises, Somalia has reiterated its dedication to lowering maternal and child mortality rates. At a pivotal international summit in Geneva, Switzerland, the country’s health leaders joined forces with global actors to strategize improvements in healthcare for mothers and newborns. The event, held on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly, brought together senior representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, the Global Fund, and numerous countries, as well as global donor agencies and foundations.
Dr. Guled Abdijalil Ali, Director General of Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Human Services, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the nation’s recent achievements and ongoing challenges in maternal and child healthcare. A key focus of the meeting was the introduction of vital vaccines, such as the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and Rotavirus vaccine, which are crucial in preventing deadly infections in children. Dr. Guled also emphasized the Ministry’s strategic health plans aimed at reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths, as well as the critical financing gap that hinders the delivery of lifesaving health services in remote and conflict-affected areas.
Somalia’s plight is particularly dire, with the country recording approximately 829 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 78 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, according to WHO data. Decades of conflict, displacement, and underinvestment in healthcare systems have exacerbated these alarming rates. Dr. Guled urged the global community to honor their previous commitments, including pledges made at the 2024 World Health Assembly, where Somalia introduced a resolution calling for increased investment in maternal and child health across fragile states.
"We need more than words; we need real funding that reaches communities on the ground," Dr. Guled stressed. "If we are serious about achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, maternal and child health must be prioritized." The Ministry of Health has outlined plans to expand vaccination programs, increase the number of trained midwives and birth attendants, and scale up mobile health clinics to reach nomadic and displaced populations. Furthermore, Somalia is calling for long-term health sector investments, integration of maternal and child health into broader climate resilience and humanitarian planning, and support for data systems and health workforce training.
As the global community converges to address this pressing issue, Somalia’s determination to reduce maternal and child mortality serves as a beacon of hope. With concerted effort and tangible support, the country can make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes for its most vulnerable populations. The world watches with anticipation, eager to see the impact of this renewed commitment to saving lives and building a healthier future for Somalia’s mothers and children.
