Saturday April 30, 2022
The representation office of Qatar Red Crescent Society
(QRCS) in Somalia is carrying out a project to operate two primary healthcare
and reproductive health centres in Baidoa and Balaad, Middle Shabelle Region,
southeastern Somalia.
Serving a population of up to 40,000 internally displaced
persons (IDPs) and returnees, the project has a total budget of QR418,325.
The one-year project is aimed at improving public health and
reducing mortality and morbidity rates in the target areas, as well as the
neighbouring districts.
By securing medical staff, supplies, and solutions, the two
health facilities are able to offer reproductive health and primary health care
services free of charge to the poor patients in those areas.
The activities executed so far have included a field survey
to identify the health centres most requiring support, in coordination with
Somalia’s Ministry of Health (MoH). Based on the findings of field assessment
and needs assessment, the Baidoa Health Centre and Balaad Reproductive Health
Centre were selected. The latter had been in operation for years, but it was
out of service due to lack of funding.
Then, a team from QRCS’s office visited the two health
centres and met their doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. Actual work in
the Baidoa Health Centre began early in December, after all procedures were
completed.
The medical and administrative staff of each centre consist
of one general practitioner (GP), pharmacist, qualified midwife, qualified
nurse, assistant nurse, laboratory technician, cleaner, and security guard.
The services provided by the health facilities include
primary health care (clinical examinations, medications, etc), reproductive
health (obstetrics and maternal and child health), minor operations (wound
disinfection and simple suturing), and follow-up with chronic diseases.