Every Breath Counts: increasing access to medical oxygen in Somalia

29 January 2024, Mogadishu, Somalia – A project to reduce the alarmingly high number of child deaths related to pneumonia and diarrhoea in Somalia has been formally launched by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and WHO. The Every Breath Counts project aims to increase access to medical oxygen, set up mother and child health care, establish oral rehydration centres and provide integrated health facilities in the fragile humanitarian setting of Somalia.

Child mortality from all causes in Somalia is among the highest in the world. A child born in Somalia today is about 16.5 times more likely to die before the age of 5 years than a child elsewhere. Every Breath Counts aims to reduce pneumonia- and diarrhoea-related morbidity and mortality among children aged under 5 years in the project’s target districts.

Supervisor General of KSrelief His Excellency Abdullah Al Rabeeah launched the project along with Prime Minister of Somalia His Excellency Hamza Abdi Barre, WHO Representative in Somalia Dr Sindani Ireneaus Sebit and other high-ranking government and United Nations officials.

H.E. Mr Hamza Abdi Barre expressed profound thanks to the visiting dignitaries, to Saudi Arabia and to KSrelief for extending much-needed support to Somalia’s fragile health system: “KSrelief and WHO are helping to set up a sustainable health delivery model which will prove beneficial not only for achieving universal health coverage but also Somalia’s key elements of Essential Package of Health Services.”

The project is set to equip 28 health facilities across 10 select drought- and pneumonia-affected districts with solar-powered oxygen concentrators. The project will also provide 90 oxygen cylinders, 15 baby incubators and 4 ambulances in total to the selected health facilities. In addition, the project will help set up 15 triage centres and oral rehydration centres.

H.E. Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah said on launching the project: “KSrelief is investing in the future of Somalia by providing self-sustainable and environment-friendly solutions and ensuring that selected health facilities can run various medical procedures especially for children and women without power interruptions.”

An estimated 230 127 children aged under 5 years and more than 3.3 million community members will benefit from the project interventions. Over 700 health workers will be trained on screening, outreach and treatment procedures in the course of the project.

Praising KSrelief for investing in saving the lives of Somalia’s children, acting Head of Mission for WHO Somalia country office, Dr Sindani Ireneaus Sebit said: “Contrary to what this situation in Somalia looks like, WHO has shown that community-based outreach programmes involving visits by community health workers to individual households for the diagnosis, treatment and care of pneumonia and diarrhoea and linking these interventions to primary-level care facilities can be a game-changer.”

Currently, the under-five mortality rate in Somalia is 117 per 1000 live births, which is higher than the sub-Saharan African average of 76 deaths per 1000 per live births. Approximately 21% of these deaths among children aged under 5 years in Somalia are attributed to pneumonia, while 18–20% of the deaths are attributed to diarrhoeal diseases alone.

Project interventions

The KSrelief resources will help WHO to set up cost-effective and evidence-based life-saving interventions in 10 districts of Somalia. The focus will be on strengthening community-based preventive, promotive and curative care and care for sick children with symptoms of child pneumonia and diarrhoeal disease.

The project activities will also help strengthen the capacities of primary health care/maternity and child health centres and district hospitals (referral hospitals) to deliver essential health services for pregnant women and people with disabilities. Across the 10 target districts, 28 health facilities will also be equipped to deliver both ambulatory and acute care for sick children diagnosed with pneumonia or diarrhoeal disease.

The services will be aligned within the overarching framework of the Government of Somalia’s vision for universal health coverage. This is consistent with the Government’s plan for implementing its Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS 2020) at the community and primary levels of care to achieve universal health coverage.

Notes to editors

The integrated Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea set a global target to reduce pneumonia-related deaths in children aged under 5 years to 3 deaths per 1000 live births. Currently, however, there are 39.5 child pneumonia deaths per 1000 live births in Somalia – which shows how far the country is from achieving the global target.

Somalia has a high burden and prevalence of risk factors for childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea, including non-exclusive breastfeeding, overcrowding in camps for internally displaced people, high rates of malnutrition and indoor air pollution, poor immunization coverage, and lack of access to quality health care for sick children at the community level. These factors will continue to contribute to a high number of deaths from these preventable causes if the situation cannot be improved.

The current humanitarian situation in Somalia – which results from protracted conflict, civil war, climatic shock and mass displacement – also contributes to poor health service delivery across the country. This has resulted in poor access to health care for vulnerable groups such as disadvantaged children.

Over 7.8 million people in Somalia are adversely affected by climatic shock – of whom more than 1.1 million have been displaced. The Government has declared the current drought situation an “acute humanitarian emergency” and appealed for emergency assistance from international partners and humanitarian agencies.

The drought situation may further aggravate the health conditions of children aged under 5 years because of children’s worsening nutrition condition and the lack of health services in affected areas. This may lead to excess morbidity and mortality from high-burden diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhoeal diseases.

For additional information, please contact:

Fouzia Bano, Communications Officer, WHO Somalia Email: banof@who.int Saeed Ahmed, External Relations /Reporting Officer, WHO Somalia Email: saeahmed@who.int



17 Comments

  • I really valued the way this was written.

  • Analizador de vibrasiones
    La máquina de equilibrado Balanset 1A es el resultado de décadas de investigación y compromiso.
    Siendo productores de este sistema innovador, estamos orgullosos de cada modelo que se distribuye de nuestras plantas industriales.
    No se trata únicamente de un bien, sino una solución que hemos perfeccionado para solucionar desafíos importantes relacionados con desbalances en máquinas dinámicas.

    Sabemos lo frustrante que puede ser enfrentar paradas inesperadas o costosas reparaciones.
    Por este motivo desarrollamos Balanset 1A centrándonos en los requerimientos prácticos de los profesionales del sector. ❤️

    Distribuimos Balanset-1A desde las oficinas centrales en nuestras sedes en Portugal , España y Argentina , asegurando entregas rápidas y eficientes a destinos internacionales sin excepción.
    Nuestros representantes locales están siempre disponibles para brindar soporte técnico personalizado y asesoramiento en su idioma.
    ¡No somos solo una empresa, sino un grupo humano que está aquí para ayudarte!

  • I found new insight from this.

  • I truly appreciated the way this was explained.

  • I truly liked the manner this was explained.

  • This submission is impressive.

  • Thanks for posting. It’s top quality.

  • I’ll surely recommend this.

  • relx pod singapore
    Vaping Culture in Singapore: A Lifestyle Beyond the Hype

    In today’s fast-paced world, people are always looking for ways to unwind, relax, and enjoy the moment — and for many, vaping has become a daily habit. In Singapore, where modern life moves quickly, the rise of vaping culture has brought with it a unique form of downtime . It’s not just about the devices or the clouds of vapor — it’s about flavor, convenience, and finding your own vibe.

    Disposable Vapes: Simple, Smooth, Ready to Go

    Let’s face it — nobody wants to deal with complicated setups all the time. That’s where disposable vapes shine. They’re perfect for those who value simplicity who still want that satisfying hit without the hassle of charging, refilling, or replacing parts.

    Popular models like the VAPETAPE UNPLUG / OFFGRID, LANA ULTRA II, and SNOWWOLF SMART HD offer thousands of puffs in one easy-to-use device. Whether you’re out for the day or just need something quick and easy, these disposables have got your back.

    New Arrivals: Fresh Gear, Fresh Experience

    The best part about being into vaping? There’s always something new around the corner. The latest releases like the ELFBAR ICE KING and ALADDIN ENJOY PRO MAX bring something different to the table — whether it’s enhanced user experience.

    The ELFBAR RAYA D2 is another standout, offering more than just puff count — it comes with a built-in screen , so you can really make it your own.

    Bundles: Smart Choices for Regular Vapers

    If you vape often, buying in bulk just makes sense. Combo packs like the VAPETAPE OFFGRID COMBO or the LANA BAR 10 PCS COMBO aren’t just practical — they’re also a great value choice. No more running out at the worst time, and you save a bit while you’re at it.

    Flavors That Speak to You

    At the end of the day, it’s all about taste. Some days you want something icy and refreshing from the Cold Series, other times you’re craving the smooth, mellow vibes of the Smooth Series. Then there are those sweet cravings — and trust us, the Sweet Series delivers.

    Prefer the classic richness of tobacco? There’s a whole series for that too. And if you’re trying to cut back on nicotine, the Pure Flavor Collection gives you all the flavor without the buzz.

    Final Thoughts

    Vaping in Singapore isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a lifestyle choice for many. With so many options available, from pocket-sized disposables to customizable devices, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re taking your first puff, or an experienced user , the experience is all about what feels right to you — tailored to your preferences .

  • Comercializamos dispositivos de equilibrado!
    Fabricamos directamente, elaborando en tres países a la vez: Portugal, Argentina y España.
    ✨Ofrecemos equipos altamente calificados y debido a que somos productores directos, nuestro precio es inferior al de nuestros competidores.
    Hacemos entregas internacionales a cualquier país, lea la descripción de nuestros equipos de equilibrio en nuestro sitio web.
    El equipo de equilibrio es móvil, de bajo peso, lo que le permite balancear cualquier eje rotativo en diversos entornos laborales.

  • The detail in this content is commendable.

  • buy ddos attack
    Why Choose DDoS.Market?
    High-Quality Attacks – Our team ensures powerful and effective DDoS attacks for accurate security testing.

    Competitive Pricing & Discounts – We offer attractive deals for returning customers.

    Trusted Reputation – Our service has earned credibility in the Dark Web due to reliability and consistent performance.

    Who Needs This?
    ? Security professionals assessing network defenses.
    ? Businesses conducting penetration tests.
    ? IT administrators preparing for real-world threats.

    Ensure your network is secure—test its limits with DDoS.Market.

  • singapore vape shop
    Vaping Culture in Singapore: A Lifestyle Beyond the Hype

    In today’s fast-paced world, people are always looking for ways to unwind, relax, and enjoy the moment — and for many, vaping has become an essential part of their routine . In Singapore, where modern life moves quickly, the rise of vaping culture has brought with it a unique form of downtime . It’s not just about the devices or the clouds of vapor — it’s about flavor, convenience, and finding your own vibe.

    Disposable Vapes: Simple, Smooth, Ready to Go

    Let’s face it — nobody wants to deal with complicated setups all the time. That’s where disposable vapes shine. They’re perfect for people on the move who still want that satisfying hit without the hassle of charging, refilling, or replacing parts.

    Popular models like the VAPETAPE UNPLUG / OFFGRID, LANA ULTRA II, and SNOWWOLF SMART HD offer thousands of puffs in one compact design . Whether you’re out for the day or just need something quick and easy, these disposables have got your back.

    New Arrivals: Fresh Gear, Fresh Experience

    The best part about being into vaping? There’s always something new around the corner. The latest releases like the ELFBAR ICE KING and ALADDIN ENJOY PRO MAX bring something different to the table — whether it’s enhanced user experience.

    The ELFBAR RAYA D2 is another standout, offering more than just puff count — it comes with adjustable airflow , so you can really make it your own.

    Bundles: Smart Choices for Regular Vapers

    If you vape often, buying in bulk just makes sense. Combo packs like the VAPETAPE OFFGRID COMBO or the LANA BAR 10 PCS COMBO aren’t just practical — they’re also a great value choice. No more running out at the worst time, and you save a bit while you’re at it.

    Flavors That Speak to You

    At the end of the day, it’s all about taste. Some days you want something icy and refreshing from the Cold Series, other times you’re craving the smooth, mellow vibes of the Smooth Series. Then there are those sweet cravings — and trust us, the Sweet Series delivers.

    Prefer the classic richness of tobacco? There’s a whole series for that too. And if you’re trying to cut back on nicotine, the 0% Nicotine Series gives you all the flavor without the buzz.

    Final Thoughts

    Vaping in Singapore isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a lifestyle choice for many. With so many options available, from pocket-sized disposables to customizable devices, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out , or a regular enthusiast , the experience is all about what feels right to you — made personal for you.

  • Thanks for putting this up. It’s excellent.

Leave a Reply