Integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Bosaso.

The fragility of the situation in Somalia over the past two decades has resulted in the collapse of the public health system. While the Somali health sector and the Joint Health and Nutrition Programme (JHNP, 2012-2016) have made considerable gains since 2012, undergoing a real transformation, the road ahead remains fragile and uncertain. The highest rates of maternal mortality in the world are found in Somalia, with a maternal mortality ratio of 1,400 per 100,000 and an under-five mortality rate of 180 per 1,000 live births. Access to maternal services is low, with only 9% of births being attended by a skilled birth attendant, which puts women at high risk of mortality and morbidity in and around child birth. The current severe drought situation prevailing in Somalia, including in Puntland, is putting additional strains on the health system with increased cases of malnutrition being reported (over 320,000 acutely malnourished children are in need of urgent nutrition support, and more than 50,000 are severely malnourished). Movements to urban centers are also expected to take place as the situation deteriorates.  Bosaso (Puntland) is the third major port city in Somalia. It is a transit town for many migrants and refugees. As of November 2016, UNHCR reported that 34’450 Somali refugees living in Yemen had returned to Somalia, a significant number through Bosaso port. Puntland also hosts the largest number of internally displaced populations (IDP) in Somalia, with approx. 60’000 in Bosaso alone.

To improve sexual and reproductive health among the population in Bosaso.

The intervention will directly benefit the population living in Bosaso town. This is an estimated 60’000 IDPs and 250’000 host community.The targeted beneficiary population stands at an estimated 205’000. This includes 95’000 women in child bearing age, 39’000 pregnant and lactating women (PLW), 17’000 children (under 1) and 53’000 men.

• Quality SRH services integrated in health facilities.
• Adapted services in health facilities accessible for GBV survivors.
• Community based structures and mechanisms strengthened for handling SRH / GBV case management and prevention
• ISDP becomes an efficient and autonomous organization.

Risultati principali attesi:  

• SRH and referral services provided to the host community, migrants and IDPs in the supported facilities are standardized.
• Capacity of district health team enhanced to fully take over the management of health facilities.
• Awareness of the negative impact of FGM increased through partnering with religious leaders.
• Capacities of community based groups improved to prevent and identify GBV cases.
• Capacity of the local partner (ISDP) enhanced to take over project implementation and technical supervision of the health facilities.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

Key results from the inception phase (May-Dec 2016) were:

• Assessment of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and SRH in Bosaso to inform elaboration of phase 1.
• Stakeholder analysis of partners working on GBV and potential synergies.
• Capacity assessment of the local partner, Integrated Services for Internal Displaced Population (ISDP)
• Health Systems needs assessment at Bosaso district level.
• Project proposal developed and submitted to the SDC.

• Médecins du Monde-France (MdM-F)

The partner is working closely with the local partner ISDP. MdM-F attends health cluster meetings at the regional level in Somalia. The project is in line with the Somali National Development Plans. Support to MdM-F complements other SDC’s engagement in the health sector, both in terms of service delivery and system building: support to Swisso Kalmo in Merka (SK), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Global Fund, support to EPHS delivery (under preparation), health sector coordination.

Fase 1 01.05.2016 - 31.12.2021   (Completed)