Swedish Ambassador shows concern over the poor state of health in Somalia, grants USD8.5 million to scale-up

SWEDEN/SOMALIA- By way of extending generosity to another world and taking concern in the issue of welfare -especially in areas of health, Sweden has displayed an encouraging sense of responsibility by granting the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) USD8.5 million to scale-up high impact reproductive, maternal, new-born and adolescent health interventions in Somalia.

As it were, and according to a press release from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), announcing the grant, “millions of women in Somalia remain at great risk during pregnancy and childbirth.” It is even worse, sadly, “every year, one in 22 women dies prematurely due to pregnancy or childbirth related complications.”

However, research made it known that “most of these complications and illnesses are easily preventable and treatable.” But, if this must be achieved, it is recommended by experts that “Strong political will and long-term financial commitment is urgently needed to address the high maternal deaths.”

According to the reports, as fetched from the African Press Organisation Website, the Swedish funding to the health sector is part of a long-term commitment to address the severe health needs of women and girls and help re-build the health system in Somalia. Mr Mikael Lindvall, Swedish Ambassador to Somalia noted this in his remark while speaking on the grant.

“Far too many women’s lives are lost unnecessarily and prematurely during pregnancy and childbirth. It is critical that we now come together to strengthen our political and financial commitment for women’s health and wellbeing. Sweden remains committed to improve access to equitable and quality health services for women and children. This is one of the key priority areas for Sweden’s development cooperation with Somalia.”

On record, Sweden is the second largest donor in the health sector and has supported maternal and child healthcare in Somalia since 2006. Mr. Nikolai Botev further confirmed in the release that the “generous contribution from Sweden comes at a critical moment when UNFPA is reaffirming its efforts to working towards achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health, realizing reproductive rights, reducing maternal mortality, and improving the lives of adolescents, youth and women.

According to Mr Botev: “The grant from Sweden is another expression of strong confidence in the work that UNFPA is undertaking towards the betterment of the lives of the people of Somalia.” Adding that the funding from Sweden is fundamental in contributing to Somalia’s social and human development.

“We are enormously grateful for the Swedish contribution. It comes at a critical time and will be vital in helping the many Somali people, especially women and young people, whose lives have already been so traumatically disrupted by a number of adverse conditions, including the current drought.”

Correspondent: Ridwan A. Olayiwola