31 July 2019 — My name is Farhiya Ali Abdi. I work as a midwife for the International Rescue Committee in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
I have been working as an IRC midwife for over 20 years. I can still remember my first day at work as a young nurse back in 1994, working in the aftermath of Somalia’s first civil war in 1991. I’m honoured to be 45 years old and still working in this field.
Somalia has suffered for a long time. It sometimes feels like the country and its people are exhausted by decades of conflict and famine. Over the years, thousands of people have died and millions of people have been forced from their homes. It is still incredibly difficult for people to get access to healthcare and a lack of education means that many families remain unaware about ways they can keep their families safe from illness.
Despite these great challenges, throughout my long career I have noticed the situation in Somalia gradually improve. I think that my country is slowly beginning to heal. Schools are opening and universities are beginning to operate in the capital, giving people the opportunity to improve their lives. Although there is still a long way to go, I continue to have hope for better security, health, economic growth and prosperity.
My work can vary day-to-day. Whilst many clinics in the country cost people money, the clinic where I work is free of charge – everyone is welcome. I am helping mothers at all stages of giving birth: from providing antenatal care during pregnancy and supporting mothers in labour, to offering postpartum care after birth. We also provide education for mothers on issues such as childcare, family planning, health and hygiene. People come to me with a wide range of illnesses: malaria and malnutrition are common and we have to be prepared for everything.
It can often be really difficult to perform my job with such limited resources, but I continue to be driven by a sense that I am helping the most vulnerable and marginalised people in my society. If we want to see Somalia continue to improve, it is so important to give mothers and their children the best possible chance in life.
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.