The Somali Research and Development Institute (SORDI) recently joined Kaafi Hospital and DT Global for a transformative networking event aimed at advancing Somalia’s healthcare systems. Hosted under the Private Sector Partnerships in Health (PSPH) project—funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)—the event brought together nearly 100 healthcare professionals to address critical gaps in referral networks, particularly in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Obs/Gyn) and Pediatrics.
Strengthening Collaboration for Impact
This initiative emphasized the urgent need to streamline referral pathways between healthcare providers, ensuring vulnerable populations, including women and children, receive timely and specialized care. By fostering dialogue among doctors, nurses, administrators, and policymakers, the event identified systemic challenges such as fragmented communication, limited resources, and logistical barriers. Participants collaborated to design actionable solutions, including:
Standardized referral protocols to reduce delays in emergency care.
Digital tools for real-time coordination between rural clinics and urban hospitals.
Training programs to enhance skills in maternal and pediatric care.
A core theme was the power of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in addressing Somalia’s healthcare disparities. Kaafi Hospital shared success stories where PPPs slashed wait times for critical services, while SORDI highlighted its role in bridging gaps between stakeholders to ensure no patient is left behind.
Building a Better Future for Somali Healthcare
The event underscored the PSPH project’s mission to create a resilient, inclusive healthcare infrastructure. With maternal and child mortality rates remaining high in Somalia, strengthening Obs/Gyn and Pediatric referral networks is not just strategic—it’s lifesaving. Key outcomes included:
Commitments to cross-institutional collaboration, enabling smoother patient transitions.
Advocacy for policy reforms to institutionalize PPP frameworks.
Plans to scale low-cost innovations, such as mobile clinics and community health worker training.
The gathering concluded with a shared resolve to turn dialogue into action. Participants agreed on next steps, such as piloting a digital referral platform and expanding partnerships to underserved regions. As Dr. Ahmed Omar, a pediatrician from Mogadishu, noted: “This event wasn’t just about ideas—it was about building the connections to make those ideas reality.”
SORDI, Kaafi Hospital, and DT Global reaffirmed their dedication to long-term collaboration, with SDC’s support ensuring these efforts align with global best practices. By uniting public and private sectors, this initiative paves the way for a future where all Somalis can access quality healthcare, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
