1. Establishing Family Planning Male Ambassadors: Breaking Gender Barriers: We implemented a groundbreaking initiative by engaging men as Family Planning Male Ambassadors to address gender barriers in reproductive health. In patriarchal Somali society, where men are the primary decision-makers regarding family size and contraceptive use, their involvement was crucial. This initiative improved access to family planning services, promoted gender equity, and fostered marital harmony. By encouraging open communication between partners, our campaigns dispelled misconceptions and increased the uptake of modern contraceptive methods.
2. Partnering with Religious Leaders to Shape Community Opinion
In Somalia’s conservative and predominantly Muslim society, we partnered with influential religious leaders to address sensitive topics like family planning and immunization. By framing reproductive health messaging within Islamic principles, we gained their trust and support. This collaboration reshaped societal attitudes, making reproductive health services more acceptable and accessible within local cultural and religious contexts.
3. Functionalizing Health Facilities in the Karkaar Region
We established and operationalized six health facilities in the Karkaar region, providing integrated primary healthcare services with a focus on family planning. These facilities have significantly increased the use of modern contraceptive methods and contributed to reducing maternal and child mortality in the region.
4. Capacity Building for Health Workers
We trained over 120 health workers in critical areas, including family planning, basic emergency obstetric care, and immunization. These efforts strengthened the healthcare system’s capacity to deliver high-quality, culturally sensitive, and technically sound services in underserved communities.
5. Culturally Tailored Community Mobilization Campaigns
Through joint mobilization campaigns with health authorities, we engaged local communities, religious leaders, youth groups, and women’s organizations. These campaigns created safe platforms to discuss maternal health issues and foster culturally appropriate solutions to pressing challenges.
6. High-Level Advocacy with Health Authorities
At regional and national levels, we advocated for family planning and reproductive health services. By collaborating with the Ministry of Health, we provided technical expertise to revise policies and implement protocols, ensuring family planning is recognized as essential to maternal and child health.