Catholic Entity Using “integrated community” Approach to Reach Out to Needy in Somalia

In Somalia’s three districts of Belet Hawa, Dollow, and Luuq, the officials of the Catholic entity say that about “184 Community Health Workers have been trained under the EU grant.”

They add that the trained health workers are capable of reaching “over 158,040 people with health and nutrition services including 46,965 children under the age of five, in the three districts.”

In the May 18 report, Trócaire officials also express concern about Somalia’s drought situation, which they say has rendered millions of people homeless.

In the report, the story of Mohamed, a two-year-old boy in the Trócaire-run hospital in Luuq, Gedo Region, Southern Somalia, who was diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition and pneumonia is recounted.

“Mohamed was referred to the hospital for treatment by two Trócaire-trained Community Health Workers who called his house on a visit to his village. This action probably saved his life,” the officials say.

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They add, “The health workers were so concerned at his condition they arranged for him to be transported immediately to Luuq district Hospital, 19 kilometers away, for assessment.”

At the health facility, the officials say that the boy was treated for eight days until his condition improved as he regained his required weight.

Fadumo Islow, the mother of Mohamed is quoted as saying following the recovery of her son, “I am so happy for the support and treatment that my child received, and I do thank Trócaire, particularly the Community Health Workers from my village who referred me and my child to the hospital to get help,” 

In the May 18 report, Trócaire officials say, “An estimated 1.8 million children under the age of five are ‘acutely malnourished’ in Somalia, and millions of people are leaving their homes, where they have lived for generations, in search of basic health care and food,”

“Somalia is in the midst of a critical hunger crisis experiencing its fifth season with no rain. The worst drought in 40 years has been driven by climate change and has left more than half of the population of 15 million people food insecure,” they further say.

Besides benefiting from a project that the EU funded, Trócaire officials say that Ms. Islow is among the beneficiaries of a relief program that the World Vision International (WVI) and World Food Programme (WFP) funded.

Trócaire officials add that Ms. Islow who has received $80 since February 2023, which has gone towards food for Mohammed and his brothers and sisters, was also given advice on family nutrition and the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.