A new report published by human rights organization Amnesty International has revealed shocking conditions in Somalia’s health care system that include sharp rises in child and maternal mortality, inadequate facilities at government health facilities, low rates of vaccination and increased incidence of water-borne diseases.
As stated by Amnesty, the health deterioration situation is worsened by the escalating cases of corruption that have impacted the Somali health care system. Using data from Transparency International, the report states that corruption has affected the delivery of basic health care and distribution of supplies.
“It is certain that Somalia is facing security and governance challenges. But the military expenditure, which is currently 24% of the budget, should not prevent Somalia from aligning its health policy with its needs and appropriate budget allocation. This will enable the country to comply with its constitutional and international obligations to guarantee accessible, affordable, and quality health care to its people.” the report states.
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Amnesty also urged the Somali authorities to examine the causes of mismanagement and corruption, which have heavily impacted the health sector, and bring to justice officials involved in embezzlement of funds and supplies.
The rights group has also called on the government to ensure the health sector is budgeted for at least 15% of the national budget in accordance with the Abuja declaration, which is a pledge by the African Union member countries to increase expenditure on health.
This, Amnesty believes, would make it possible for Somalia to work on reversing the trend of deterioration of health and medical facilities for people in Somalia and thereby, meet its obligations in making sure that citizens of the country can access affordable, proper health care services that are within their reach.
“The military expenditure, which is currently 24% of the budget, should not prevent Somalia from aligning its health policy with its needs and appropriate budget allocation,” the report emphasized.
Amnesty’s report comes at a pivotal moment for Somalia, which is currently navigating a multitude of pressing issues, including ongoing security concerns, political instability, and economic struggles. All these make the need for urgent attention to its healthcare crisis all the more pressing.
