Somalia’s maternal mortality rate remains one of the highest globally, standing at 692 deaths per 100,000 live births(World Bank Data). This alarming figure is a reflection of deep-rooted challenges in the healthcare system, including limited access to quality maternal care, particularly in rural areas, where infrastructure and healthcare services are severely lacking. Many Somali women must travel long distances to receive basic maternal healthcare, and for those in hard-to-reach regions, this often means no access to emergency care when it’s most needed.
One of the key reasons behind the high maternal mortality rate is the shortage of skilled midwives. Somalia faces an immense deficit, needing around 20,000 additional midwives to meet international standards(World Bank Data). This shortage is especially pronounced in remote areas, where the combination of insecurity, poor infrastructure, and a lack of incentives for healthcare professionals to relocate makes it even more challenging for women to receive necessary maternal health services.
In response to these challenges, HooyoKaabe is stepping in with a technology-driven approach to revolutionize maternal healthcare access in Somalia. By leveraging digital platforms, HooyoKaabe aims to bring vital healthcare services directly to mothers, regardless of their location.
Here’s how HooyoKaabe is addressing these critical issues:
- Telemedicine: This feature allows mothers to connect with healthcare professionals via their phones, offering remote consultations without the need to travel. This service is particularly beneficial for women in rural areas, where access to hospitals or clinics is difficult.
- Pregnancy Tracking: Through the app, mothers can receive weekly updates on their pregnancy, complete with personalized advice on prenatal care and what to expect at each stage. This tracking helps empower mothers with knowledge and gives them confidence in managing their health throughout pregnancy.
- Baby Vaccination Schedule: HooyoKaabe provides a vaccination schedule to ensure that newborns receive timely vaccinations, helping to protect them from preventable diseases and improve overall child health outcomes.
- Nutrition Advice: Proper nutrition is vital for both mother and child during pregnancy and postpartum. The app offers tailored nutrition advice, ensuring mothers have access to the information they need for a healthy pregnancy.
By combining essential maternal health information with easy access to healthcare professionals, HooyoKaabe is working to drastically reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Somalia. The goal is to ensure that every mother, regardless of her location or socio-economic status, has the resources she needs for a safe pregnancy and childbirth.
This digital health initiative represents a step forward in addressing Somalia’s maternal health crisis, making healthcare more accessible to those who need it most. With solutions like HooyoKaabe, we can hope to see significant improvements in maternal health outcomes and a reduction in the high maternal mortality rate that has plagued the country for so long.
Sources: UNFPA, World Bank(World Bank Data)
