Mogadishu, Somalia – The Ministry of Health and Human Services convened a two-day Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on August 19th, bringing together government officials, health partners, and community representatives to review the Damal Caafimaad program and the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
The forum, formally opened by State Minister Dr. Mariam Mohamed, underscored the need for community ownership, accountability, and stronger support for health workers. Dr. Mohamed emphasized that Somalia’s health initiatives can only succeed if local communities are actively engaged and if frontline workers receive adequate backing.
The Damal Caafimaad program, one of Somalia’s flagship health projects, aims to expand access to primary healthcare, reduce maternal and child mortality, and reinforce health systems in underserved regions. Officials noted that the program has already improved essential services in several districts but highlighted the importance of embedding sustainability through local participation.
On COVID-19, participants reviewed progress in vaccination coverage and discussed strategies to overcome challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and reaching remote communities. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations while building on lessons learned from pandemic response efforts.
Stakeholders welcomed the ministry’s approach of working closely with humanitarian partners, civil society, and regional health authorities. They called for continued transparency, reliable funding, and protection of frontline workers to ensure both initiatives succeed.
The consultation concluded with a shared pledge to strengthen community trust in healthcare services and to integrate experiences from the pandemic into Somalia’s long-term health development agenda.