Asia cradles Abdiqani, her 16-months-old child on her lap. The mother and her child endured a challenging journey of 219km by road to reach Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, seeking medical attention for Abdiqani’s illnesses, which had been worsened by symptoms of vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
The local pharmacy in Bulo Burte did not have the necessary resources to treat her son, and she decided to undertake an arduous journey to seek assistance elsewhere. Asia herself understood her child needed critical care which was not feasible in her home town.
“It was a long road trip,” said Asia, with a mix of weariness and resilience in her voice. “The flooding in the area made everything hard.”
The underdeveloped road infrastructure in the country, washed by floods resulting from the recent spring rains, resulted in significant damage to the main parts of the car Asia and Abdiqani were traveling in. This circumstance added an additional layer of difficulty to their already challenging journey.
Amidst the challenges, a glimmer of hope emerged. The healthcare workers of SOS Children’s Villages, fueled by a deep sense of purpose, received the mother and her child. Abdiqani was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition, which had been complicated by other health issues.
The medical team promptly transferred the child to the stabilization center—a specialized treatment ward dedicated to caring for children suffering from severe malnutrition. In the facility, health workers closely monitored the child’s condition over the course of several weeks, ensuring he received the necessary care and attention to aid in his recovery.
The medical team implemented a comprehensive care plan. In addition to providing him with daily meals, they administered medical cream to treat his skin condition and prescribed antibiotics to address any underlying infections. Furthermore, Abdiqani received therapeutic milk, a specialized formula designed to aid malnourished children in regaining weight and rebuilding their strength.
Asia can now be hopeful for her son’s future.
She recalls the pain her child endured when they first arrived at the SOS Hospital, Abdiqani’s limbs were weak, and his ribs were visibly protruding from his chest, a stark reminder of his severe state. “It was a difficult sight for any mother to bear” she notes. However, after nearly two weeks of receiving treatment, Abdiqani is now on the path to recovery, and Asia expresses gratitude to the health workers.
“I am forever thankful to the doctors and nurses. Abdiqani is my only child and he has survived,” said Asia. “As a single mother, who has no source of income, I face unseen challenges every day, and at times I feel isolated and unheard,” she confided. “But I will keep fighting and overcome this challenge, just like I have overcome others,” Asia noted with determination.
While staying at the stabilization center, Asia gained valuable knowledge during the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Sessions. The nurses provided daily sessions on important topics such as immunization, maintaining a balanced diet, good hand hygiene, and the benefits of breastfeeding taught to all caregivers coming to this section of the hospital.
Malyun, a nurse at the Stabilization Center, says that the hospital is often the last choice for many mothers, after they have tried all home and traditional treatments. They try to make these mothers feel welcome and cared for. “We warmly welcome each mother, providing them with guidance and instructions.” Says Malyun.
“As a mother myself, I understand the agony of having a sick child,” Malyun continues with empathy. “We not only provide medical care but also provide the mothers with psychosocial support.’’
The devastating impact of climate change, manifested through drought and prolonged crisis, has led to severe livelihood losses affecting families in Somalia. Among the grave consequences is the significant burden on mental health within the country.
With Abdiqani’s condition steadily improving, the health team will continue to monitor him for a few more days before discharging him to proceed with the next level of treatment at the community level in the displacement camp where mobile outreach teams provide the second level of treatment – outpatient therapeutic program.
Asia is now five months pregnant, has made the decision to relocate to Mogadishu, and reside with a relative with the intention of pursuing a laundry job to secure a means of income for her family’s needs.
Food insecurity is a significant issue, compounded by drought, conflict and instability in some parts of the country that has led to the displacement of many families and the breakdown of infrastructure. Many families like Asia face daily challenges such as limited access to basic healthcare services, essential medications, safe drinking water, and sanitation facilities.
SOS Children’s Villages is a member of the Caafimaad Plus Consortium, which comprises five international and three humanitarian organizations in Somalia. Together, they offer vital healthcare and nutrition services to populations affected by drought and conflict in the country. This critical support is made possible through funding from the European Union Humanitarian Aid (EU ECHO), enabling the consortium to provide timely assistance and care to individuals in need, including mothers and children facing malnutrition and other illnesses, just like Asia and her son Abdiqani. The story of Asia and Abdiqani serves as a powerful testament to the significance of this work and its profound impact on the lives of families throughout Somalia.
