Somaliland continues to make strides in improving population health and social well-being; however, significant challenges remain. The 1st National Research Conference, 2025, held at the University of Hargeisa, provided critical evidence-based insights into the state of health and social systems. The conference highlighted persistent gaps in maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
These challenges are further compounded by economic hardship, displacement, limited access to care, and entrenched gender and social inequities. Vulnerable populations—including rural, nomadic, and displaced communities, women, and children—bear a disproportionate share of the burden.
The findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated, multisectoral action to strengthen health systems and social protection frameworks. The Ministry of Health Development, together with the Ministry of Employment, Social and Family Affairs, has an opportunity to build on this evidence to drive policies that link health, social protection, and economic empowerment. Such integration will help reduce inequities, enhance service delivery, and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Priority Recommendations
- Scale up equitable maternal and child health services: Ensure access to antenatal, delivery, and emergency obstetric care.
- Integrate mental health services: Embed mental health care within primary healthcare and social protection programs, especially for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Strengthen nutrition interventions: Address both undernutrition and overnutrition through targeted programs.
- Promote women’s autonomy and community engagement: Empower decision-making and health-seeking behaviors.
- Enhance laboratory and information systems: Improve health service delivery and planning.
- Institutionalize multisectoral collaboration: Align health, social protection, and economic policies.
- Improve risk communication: Ensure communities are informed, prepared, and resilient.
By implementing these priority actions, Somaliland can foster a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable health system, ensuring improved well-being for all its citizens.
Download the full policy brief here: https://rpcs.uoh-edu.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Policy-Brief-1.pdf
#PolicyBrief #SomalilandHealth #SDGs #MaternalHealth #ChildHealth #MentalHealth #Nutrition #HealthEquity
© 2026 University of Hargeisa. All rights reserved. This policy brief represents the perspectives of the authors participating in the 1st National Research Conference.