GAROWE (KAAB TV) — The Government of Puntland, an autonomous territory of Somalia established in 1998, has officially inaugurated the Garowe General Hospital, a €2.3 million facility that aims to provide medical services to over one million people.
The project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank, with UNICEF assisting in the rehabilitation and procurement of essential medical equipment.
During the inauguration ceremony, Puntland President His Excellency Said Abdulahi Deni expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the project.
“I extend my sincere thanks to all the stakeholders involved in this project, including KfW, the Ministry, Garowe General Hospital, and UNICEF for their immense hard work in ensuring quality and transparency,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for ongoing development of health services, particularly for women and children: “I hope this support will continue, as many of our communities remain vulnerable and in great need.”
The German-funded Support to Strengthening Health Systems in Puntland (SSHSP) program has played a vital role during the drought crises in 2018 and 2022, which saw a dramatic increase in malnutrition, disease, and displacement.
Puntland’s Minister of Health, Said Jama Ali Qoorsheel, remarked, “With this rehabilitation, over one million people can be serviced in the state-of-the-art Garowe General Hospital, contributing to a more robust health system in Puntland.
Since 2017, the SSHSP program, with a total funding envelope of close to €31 million, has constructed and rehabilitated 12 health centres, 2 regional health offices, and 3 district hospitals that have improved access to essential health services and expanded health infrastructure.”
UNICEF has also supported 43 health facilities in the Mudug and Nugal regions, enabling over 700,000 people to access outpatient services. The initiative has vaccinated over 130,000 children under one year old and screened more than 130,000 children under five for acute malnutrition, providing necessary treatment for those in need.
German Ambassador Sebastian Groth highlighted the impact of the funding, stating, “The Federal Republic of Germany has supported the expansion and renovation of the Garowe General Hospital with over €2 million.
The new Accident and Emergency Response Unit, Maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and international-standard operating theatres will significantly improve health care services.”
Addressing Somalia’s critical maternal, newborn, and childhood mortality rates, the Garowe General Hospital is expected to enhance healthcare access. Currently, 106 out of every 1,000 children born do not reach their fifth birthday, one of the highest under-five mortality rates globally.
The new facility features a fully equipped maternity and newborn unit, a revamped outpatient department, and improved utilities, including piped oxygen, water, and electricity, with a 25% increase in bed capacity.
“UNICEF thanks President Deni for his personal commitment to support this project and Germany’s commitment to investing in Somalia,” said UNICEF Somalia Representative Wafaa Saeed. “UNICEF will continue to support the Garowe Hospital with essential commodities such as vaccines, diagnostic kits, and therapeutic food for malnourished children. Mothers can feel secure knowing they will get free and quality health services for themselves and their children, ensuring they have the best start in life.”
To sustain operations, the hospital requires close to €1 million annually. Funding has been secured through the Puntland Ministry of Finance, UNICEF, and the World Bank-funded Damaal Caafimad program through 2025. Investing in the Garowe General Hospital and health infrastructure is seen as a significant step toward a healthier future for Somalia, poised to positively impact millions in the years to come.