Hargeisa — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Health and Development in Somaliland launched the fifth phase of the Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) FINNSOM project on June 15, 2022. 

Through the short-term deployment of diaspora health professionals across Somaliland´s health institutions, the new phase of the MIDA FINNSOM project aims to strengthen sexual and reproductive health for women and girls whilst providing mentoring and training opportunities for local health professionals.

Through the short-term deployment of Somali diaspora health professionals across Somaliland´s health institutions, the new phase of the MIDA FINNSOM project aims to strengthen sexual and reproductive health focusing on maternal and child health whilst providing mentoring and training opportunities for local health professionals.

Now entering its fifth phase, the MIDA FINNSOM has been supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland since its inception in 2008. 

“In the last 13 years, over 120 diaspora have returned to Somaliland for institutional capacity building in the health sector and hundreds of local health professionals have participated in the MIDA FINNSOM project,” said Franz Celestin, IOM Somalia Chief of Mission. 

“Diaspora communities have played a key role in mobilizing resources to provide life-saving assistance as well as support households’ resilience. IOM recognizes diaspora as a good example of the nexus between migration and development.”

During the next three years, diaspora health experts will work with local professionals in regional and district hospitals in Borama, Berbera, Buroa, Lasanod and Erigavo as well as some district level health facilities in underserved areas of Zaylac, Badhan, Ainabo, Odwayne, Buhodl Sheikh, Arabsiyo, Gabilay, Baligubadle and Salahley, under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Development. The project will also continue to support Hargeisa Group Hospital 

Somaliland has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world and many who live in rural areas have to travel great distances for basic or life-saving care. This MIDA FINNSOM project will play a crucial role in protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls who continue to face challenges to access quality health care.

“The MIDA FINNSOM project in Hargeisa has seen healthcare professionals from the Somali diaspora in Finland doing knowledge transfer to hospitals and the health administration in their place of origin. Much great work has been done. Now is time to focus on the sustainability of results” said the Finnish Ambassador in Somalia, Pirkka Tapiola.

The new project objectives are aligned with the Somaliland Development Plan, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Migration Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and Finland’s Country Strategy.

Since 2009, IOM has been actively supporting the pivotal role of diaspora as key development actors through the Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) programme. The overall objective of the programme is to strengthen the capacity of state institutions through the recruitment of qualified diaspora professionals. The MIDA programme also enables local professionals to learn from the diaspora experts and acquire new skills that can contribute to public institutions´ long-term development.

For more information, Claudia Rosel, IOM Somalia Media and Communications Officer, cbarrios@iom.int