In a country grappling with a mix of armed conflict, recurring drought and devastating floods, 79 health clinics run by the Somali Red Crescent Society (Bisha Cas) continue to provide life-saving healthcare for hundreds of thousands.
For mothers in labour, malnourished children and the wounded, these facilities, often in remote and hard to reach areas make the difference between life and death.
Last year, close to one and a half million patients sought essential medical care at the clinics. Of the 79 centres, 19 are mobile units deployed to the frontline areas where communities have been cut off by fighting. 44 clinics offer essential nutrition support to mothers and children addressing a chronic malnutrition problem affecting millions. 24 clinics have a network of female community health workers who provide critical pre- and postnatal care, including breastfeeding support and dietary counseling for pregnant and lactating mothers. 25 facilities, including Radar Clinic in Daynile district, Mogadishu, operate 24/7 to ensure displaced families have continuous access to care.
These clinics, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Movement partners, notably the Danish Red Cross, the Finnish Red Cross and the Norwegian Red Cross, are indispensable in a country where healthcare needs far exceed the capacity of the existing infrastructure.
As we mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day under the theme “On the side of Humanity”, this photo gallery highlights some of the services provided by the SRCS clinics across Somalia.
It’s a girl! A nurse holds Naima Abdisalan, a newborn at Radar clinic in Mogadishu. The centre is one of 25 24-hour facilities run by the SRCS in Somalia. More than 26,500 babies were born last year at the SRCS clinics. @SRCS/Mohamed Bishaar
A nurse takes the measurement of Maleela Musse’s pregnancy to track fetal growth. Tens of thousands of pregnant women receive prenatal services, including information on immunity, and monthly checkups to help monitor the health of both the mother and baby. @SRCS/Mohamed Bishaar
In 24 clinics, there is a network of close to 100 female community health workers who provide crucial information on proper nutrition, breastfeeding practices, and newborn care. @SRCS/Mohamed Bishaar
A woman in labour arrives in an ambulance at a clinic while accompanied by midwives. These midwives offer advice and emotional support to the women.
“We are on standby 24/7, many come to us from remote areas – especially from IDP camps.” Sadia Nor, a midwife at Radar clinic. @SRCS/Mohamed Bishaar
44 of the 79 clinics run outpatient therapeutic services that help stave off malnutrition. Nutritional support is offered to patients and mothers receive super cereal, a supplementary food in the form of a porridge that is suitable for infants and young children. The clinics also refer critical cases to stabilization centres for specialized care including the one run by the ICRC at the Kismayo General Hospital. @ICRC/Abdikarim Mohamed
A pharmacy window in one of the SRCS clinics. Patients also receive medication in the centres at zero cost. The ICRC supports 26 clinics with drugs, staff salaries, electricity expenses and trainings for the medical staff. @SRCS/Mohamed Bishaar
19 clinics are mobile and move from one village to the next offering healthcare services. @ICRC/Abdikarim Mohamed