Location: Somalia - Marka, Lower Shabelle region

Situation:

Since 1991 Somalia has not been stable enough to maintain its health system. In 2009, the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops preceded huge attacks by the radical islamist opposition against the transitional  government, prompting the collapse of the government and leaving political chaos. Civilian populations, particularly those who fled the fighting, find themselves without any aid.

Activities:

By supporting two health centres, the project provides treatment for civilians affected by the instability in the area. The healthcare workers, trained and supervised by Doctors of the World (DOW), offer free healthcare, without   discrimination, and dispense quality medicines. General medical  consultations, ante-natal monitoring, assisted deliveries and  immunisation for children and pregnant women are the main activities. As a result of the project more than 30,000 medical consultations and nearly 7,000 ante-natal consultations were carried out in 2009.

Outlook:
DOW would like to consolidate the project by expanding the  geographical coverage and by developing the provision of care. An extra medical centre should be opened and the re-opening of the hospital obstetric department is a priority.