Jowhar, Somalia — The African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Sector 5 Burundian National Defense Forces (BDNF) contingent on Tuesday organized a hygiene and sanitation awareness campaign in Jowhar, aimed at protecting the health of newborns and young children.
The initiative, spearheaded by Capt. Dr. Onesime Nsavyumukama, focused on educating mothers and caregivers about practical hygiene practices that are essential in preventing infections and supporting healthy infant growth. The training emphasized the importance of handwashing, proper food preparation, safe breastfeeding, and clean living environments.
Dr. Nsavyumukama underscored that preventable infections remain one of the leading threats to child survival in Somalia, where fragile health systems and recurring humanitarian crises leave children vulnerable.
“Simple but consistent hygiene practices can save lives and strengthen the health of entire communities,” he told participants.
Mothers attending the session expressed gratitude to the AUSSOM contingent for prioritizing community well-being beyond its core security mandate.
“This knowledge is vital for us as parents. We feel supported not only in safety but also in improving the lives of our children,” said Amina Mohamed, a participant.
Community leaders also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a vital complement to humanitarian and health services in the Hirshabelle region, where access to health care is limited.
The Sector 5 BDNF contingent has been expanding its civil-military activities, combining security operations with initiatives to improve education, health, and livelihoods. By investing in preventive health measures, AUSSOM continues to strengthen trust with local populations while safeguarding vulnerable groups.
