Crisis in Somalia
Faduma Ali Adan, a 24-year-old mother of two, is a resilient and dedicated caretaker. Living in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, Faduma's life was already fraught with challenges. Her eldest daughter fell ill and became paralyzed from a prolonged severe fever, and Faduma did everything in her power to seek help. Her story reflects the broader struggles of many Somali families who are struggling to get the health care they need for their families and who are navigating an ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climate change, frequent floods, and conflict.
Faduma Ali Adan visits the health facility for her baby girl Maria's immunization appointment, ensuring a healthy start for her.
Somalia is currently enduring climate shocks, including flash floods that have displaced over 225,000 people. These natural disasters have led to overcrowded displacement camps with inadequate sanitation, causing outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera. With over 10,000 cases reported and more than 120 deaths by mid-May, the situation is dire. Years of conflict and underinvestment have left the country's healthcare system fragile and overwhelmed. Compounding these issues is food insecurity. According to the government report from June, nearly 305,000 additional people are facing severe food stress, and 1.5 million children under five are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition as a cascading aftermath of the recent floods.
In this tough environment, Faduma found hope at the Arif Health Facility, supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and funded by the European Union (EU) Humanitarian Aid. It was here that her eldest daughter received the necessary treatment, offering a chance for recovery. This facility became an important resource for Faduma's family.
During her pregnancy with her younger daughter, Maria, Faduma regularly visited the facility's antenatal care department. These visits proved lifesaving when midwives discovered Maria was in a breech position, a critical condition requiring specialized care. Following their advice, Faduma went to a specialized hospital where she safely delivered Maria via cesarean section.
After the frightening experience during her pregnancy, Faduma made sure that Maria received all her vaccinations on time, including crucial vaccines like BCG, Pentavalent, and polio, safeguarding her against preventable diseases. Her commitment to her children's health, despite overwhelming adversity in both her country and her circumstances, was a testament to her strength and determination.
A portrait of Faduma during one of her appointments at the Arif Health Facility, where she followed up on her daughter Maria's vaccination. Thanks to funding from the European Union, the IRC medical team provided vital support during her pregnancy and ensured that both of her daughters have access to the treatment they need over the long term.
Faduma's story reflects the widespread challenges faced by many in Somalia and emphasizes the critical need for accessible healthcare. Thanks to the EU's support, the Arif Health Facility has provided essential services to countless families, reaching more than 179,000 people for health services and approximately 7,000 for nutrition support. This support has addressed immediate medical needs and contributed to building a more resilient healthcare system in Somalia.
The EU-funded project has been a lifeline for families like Faduma’s, offering essential healthcare services that would otherwise be out of reach. Early intervention, health education, and the dedication of healthcare workers have been instrumental in transforming Faduma’s life and highlighting the broader impact of accessible healthcare. When Faduma’s eldest daughter fell seriously ill, early intervention at the Arif Health Facility provided the critical treatment needed to address her severe fever and prevent further complications. This timely care stressed the importance of addressing health issues before they escalate—a principle that proved equally vital during Faduma’s pregnancy with her younger daughter, Maria.
Through the combined efforts of dedicated healthcare workers and vital funding from the EU, families like Faduma's have found hope and a pathway to a healthier future. External support, such as that provided by the EU and the IRC, can profoundly impact and potentially save lives by addressing the broader challenges beyond a caregiver’s control. By supporting IRC health teams and facilities like Arif, we can help ensure that more families receive the care they need and build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for the future.
About our work with the European Union
The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.
