Health
"A tremendous amount of needless pain and suffering can be eliminated by ensuring that health care and insurance are universally available." - Daniel Akaka
According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.
Quality healthcare and economic infrastructure in the country is scarce and people of all age groups are suffering reduced health outcomes. Somalia continues to face one of the highest infant and child mortality rates compared to the rest of the world, due to lack of adequate immunization, poor sanitation, and malnourishment.
Women’s health, maternal health, mental health, geriatric health, and general health related to poverty and war remain largely unaddressed with insufficient infrastructure and trained professionals to reach and treat patients. The morbidity and mortality in Somalia are exorbitant and the problem is deeply systemic and widespread.
IIDF will be creating Mobile Health Teams to travel to rural areas in Somalia and provide basic health care in areas that are currently lacking. IIDF will recruit physicians and health specialists in Somalia who are willing and eager to provide their services as a charitable act. Furthermore, we will work to establish basic health centres in each region across the country.
Here are some key statistics regarding health and well-being in Somalia:
The current life expectancy rate in Somalia is 51 years with no improvements over the past years.
The prevalence of FGM in women aged 15–49 in Somalia and Somaliland is 99.2%.
Infant Mortality Rate is 85 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Maternal Mortality Ratio is 692 deaths per 100,000 live births.
1 in 3 people are suffering from a mental illness.
There are only 86 human resources providing mental health services.
The sector is run by 6 nurses and 10 health professionals.
