The Director General of the Ministry of Health Development of Somaliland, Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Jama, conducted a comprehensive field visit to the Sool and Sanaag regions to assess the impact of drought and evaluate healthcare services. The inspection included a focused visit to the Dararwayne Mother and Child Health Centre, a facility critical in providing care to mothers, children, and other vulnerable groups.
During the visit, Dr. Jama held a series of meetings with the health center staff, regional health administrators, and local district officials. The discussions centred on the overall state of healthcare services, challenges facing service delivery, and urgent needs requiring immediate intervention. Key issues highlighted included shortages of medical supplies, limited trained personnel, and logistical difficulties exacerbated by the ongoing drought.
Dr. Jama also received detailed reports from health officials outlining ongoing healthcare programs, service gaps, and the effects of the drought on local communities. The reports revealed how water scarcity, food insecurity, and displacement had increased the demand for medical services and strained existing health facilities.
Expressing concern for the affected communities, Dr. Jama commended the dedication of healthcare staff working under challenging conditions. He emphasized the importance of addressing both immediate healthcare needs and systemic gaps to ensure quality and accessible medical services.
“At this critical time, the Ministry is committed to providing urgent support where it is most needed while also strengthening long-term healthcare delivery in the region,” Dr. Jama said.
The Director General assured that the Ministry would prioritize interventions to address urgent health challenges and work towards enhancing overall service delivery. He also highlighted plans to coordinate with local authorities and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions aimed at improving resilience against future droughts.
This visit comes amid growing concerns over the impact of prolonged drought in Somaliland’s northern regions, where vulnerable populations are increasingly dependent on government and humanitarian assistance. The Ministry’s field inspections are part of a broader effort to identify pressing needs, allocate resources effectively, and strengthen healthcare systems across drought-affected areas.