Image: Dr. Abdulkadir Wehliye, Director Reproductive Health, Federal Ministry of Health
Overlapping climate crises and armed conflicts in Somalia have resulted in a high percentage of women and girls with urgent reproductive health needs. In this context, Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Health hosted a groundbreaking dialogue in March 2025. A broad spectrum of key stakeholders were invited to gather in Mogadishu to discuss how to build a sustainable ecosystem for maternal and reproductive health care. It was attended by government leaders, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, hospitals, academic institutions and media partners. It was facilitated by the Ipas Africa Alliance and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). A strategic roadmap emerged from the multi-day event, along with a shared commitment by stakeholders to implement the plan and transform the country’s maternal and reproductive health landscape.
The meeting tackled pressing challenges such as policy gaps, stigma, misinformation, and supply chain constraints. By the end of the dialogue, participants had created a strategic road map with actionable steps to overcome these barriers and build a sustainable, inclusive health-care system that can deliver quality reproductive health services.
“Ensuring equitable access to high-quality reproductive and maternal health services is a priority for us,” said Dr. Abdulkadir Wehliye – Director Reproductive Health, Federal Ministry of Health. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to eliminating barriers such as stigma and discrimination, allowing women and girls to receive the care they deserve.”
Ipas Africa Alliance played a central role in driving consensus during the dialogue, leveraging its expertise in building sustainable abortion ecosystems as well as in community-led approaches and in advocacy for policy and law change.
Participants in the multi-day dialogue underscored the significance of the event in addressing reproductive health challenges in fragile settings like much of Somalia. And they voiced hope for change thanks to newly acquired skills and knowledge.
“This workshop has been an eye-opening experience,” said a Ministry of Health staff member. “It has equipped us with the knowledge and skills to advocate for better reproductive and maternal health services in our communities. I now feel more empowered to support women and girls in accessing care without fear of stigma or discrimination.”
SOURCE: Carolyne Okallo, Ipas. 9 May 2025;
PHOTO: Dr Abdulkadir Wehliye Afrah, MOH Somalia, https://africa.ippf.org/blogs/scaling-srhr-impact-wish-2-lot-2-programme-kicks-nairobi