World Bank approves USD 100 million for health services in Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia –– The World Bank announced Thursday that it has approved a total of US $ 100 million to help improve health services in Somalia.
The project, the World Bank’s 30-year investment in Somalia’s health sector, which aims to improve health services is funded by a $ 75 million grant from International Development Assistance (IDA ) and an additional $ 25 million grant from the Global Funding Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF).
“The project will help catalyze resilient growth in Somalia by improving health and productivity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kristina Svensson, World Bank Country Director for Somalia, said in a released statement. in Mogadishu.
The World Bank said the project will provide essential health and nutrition services and improve the coverage and quality of health services in some of Somalia’s most disadvantaged areas, including Nugaal (Northeastern State), Bakool and Bay (South West), Hiraan and Middle Shebelle (Hirshabelle).
According to the lender, around 10 percent of the Somali population, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and nomads in target regions, will benefit from project activities.
“We are using the best of our resources by combining IDA and trust fund investments to help Somalia strengthen its essential health services and by working with government health sector leaders to meet its commitments on health. ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3 and 5), “said Svensson. .
Naoko Ohno, World Bank task team leader, said the project will help the government build its leadership and stewardship capacity in the sector while addressing immediate service gaps by rapidly increasing coverage of services. essential services by working with partners.
“The health sector presents significant challenges and the country must lay the foundations for a resilient health system to improve health outcomes and respond to external health challenges,” she added.
According to the World Bank, Somalia’s poor health performance reflects the country’s insecurity, vulnerability and poverty, limiting opportunities for people to access basic social services, including health and social services. education. The average life expectancy is 56 years and the fertility rate, at 6.9 children per woman, is among the highest in the world.
Source: Xinhua
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