The Ministry of Health of Somalia receives medical equipment and supplies for 28 health facilities in Mogadishu. Photo credit: WHO Somalia/I. Taxta18 April 2024, Mogadishu, Somalia – Biomedical equipment and essential medicines are to reach 28 health facilities across Somalia thanks to the “Every Breath Counts” project, funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KS Relief). The Federal Ministry of Health kicked off the distribution of the supplies in collaboration with the WHO Country Office in Somalia.

The project supports quality emergency care of severe cases of pneumonia and diarrhoea for children. A child born in Somalia today is almost 20 times more likely to die by the age of 5 years than a child born elsewhere due to childhood diseases. Therefore, “Every Breath Counts” aims to reduce childhood pneumonia- and diarrhoea-related morbidity and mortality in Somalia.

Under the KS Relief-funded project, WHO Somalia supports the state-level of health ministries with the provision of life-saving health interventions in primary health centres and referral hospitals. This is done in line with WHO guidelines for the integrated management of newborn and childhood illnesses. Support provided for the health facilities includes the establishment of triage protocols and oral rehydration treatment corners, and provision of medical oxygen and essential medicines.

Dr Guled Abdi Jalil Ali, Director-General of the Federal Ministry of Health of Somalia, officiated the handover ceremony of medical equipment and supplies. Representatives from the KS Relief country team, the Ministry and WHO Somalia were present.

Speaking in appreciation of WHO Somalia’s technical support and the financial support of KS Relief, Dr Guled said: “Considering that child mortality from all causes in Somalia remains the highest in the world, this project is a critical contribution to help improve the coverage and quality of care for our children, with a focus on the main killer diseases, and to build health care capacities.”

Following the recipient of the equipment and medical supplies, the state-level health ministries, with support from WHO Somalia, will deliver equipment and supplies to the targeted facilities to improve the quality of care. In addition, supplies, such as vitamin A, folic acid, albendazole (deworming tablets), zinc and oral rehydration solution, will be distributed at the community level through community health workers to strengthen the delivery of health services.

Mr Mohamed Omar Hassan, Media Officer at KS Relief country team in Somalia, thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and WHO Somalia for their hard work in implementing the project and for their ongoing and successful partnership.

For more information, please contact:

Fouzia Bano, Communications Officer, WHO Somalia
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Saeed Ahmed, Donor Reporting Officer, WHO Somalia
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For more details about WHO’s response across Somalia, see:

Every Breath Counts: increasing access to medical oxygen in Somalia