Somalia Faces Triple Threat of COVID-19, Locust Infestations, Drought

Somalia is currently facing another serious surge in COVID-19 cases. How has the country managed during the pandemic and what are some of the biggest challenges facing Somalia in terms of COVID-19?

With a health system already at breaking point from years of instability caused by conflict and climatic shocks, COVID-19 is only making things worse.

In Somalia/Somaliland, deep-rooted stigma towards those who have contracted the virus has resulted in fewer people seeking medical support. To avoid this, those who test positive are keeping it a secret, making contact tracing nearly impossible and increasing the risk of spreading the virus.

Health centers are running out of oxygen and personal protective equipment as they struggle to cope with the recent spike in cases.

Health centers are running out of oxygen and personal protective equipment as they struggle to cope with the recent spike in cases. We have heard horrific reports of excavators now being used to dig graves to cater for the overwhelming COVID-19 deaths.

One of the major challenges has been widespread denial of the existence of the virus, which has led to many people not adhering to the Ministry of Health and WHO set guidelines and making it possible for the virus to rapidly spread. Despite this, we remain committed to raising awareness and supporting health facilities to cope with the recent surges in COVID-19 cases.

How are women and girls impacted by this situation, particularly given how they are disproportionately affected in emergencies by hunger, gender-based violence, and exposure to disease through their care-giver roles? 

Women in Somalia/Somaliland have been disproportionately affected by the current humanitarian situation. With many families struggling to put food on the table, many girls have been forced out of school as the families cannot afford to pay school fees.

When schools were closed during the lockdown, there was an increase in the practice of female genital cutting, which greatly impacts the physical and mental health of girls. We fear that more girls will be married off early as families look for ways to cope with the current harsh economic conditions.

As more water points dry up, women and girls are forced to walk long distances to get water, putting them at risk. In addition, the burden of caring for COVID-19 infected family members has fallen on the shoulders of women, increasing the risk of them contracting the virus.

What are the immediate needs and how can people help? 

The health system in Somalia/Somaliland needs equipment and oxygen to cope with the rising COVID-19 cases. Communities need food and water to survive.

We urge donors to increase funding so we can implement a rapid and robust response to these multiple crises. We have the ability to avert a potential humanitarian catastrophe, and we can’t do it alone. We call upon the global community not to ignore the looming crisis here, and to donate or support in other ways so we can save lives.