Diaspora Professionals Enhance Maternal and Child Health Care in Somalia

Helsinki, Finland / Garowe, Somalia - The migration journey from Somalia to Finland has led to significant contributions in the field of maternal and child health care back in Somalia through the MIDA FINNSOM programme. This initiative, which aims to enhance the competencies of health professionals from the Somali diaspora, highlights the impactful work of individuals like Mona Abdullahi, a nurse currently serving in Garowe.

A Journey of Hope and Expertise

Mona Abdullahi, born in Somalia, fled to Uganda during her childhood due to the civil war. Later, she settled in Finland, where she completed her nursing education and started a family. Now a mother of four, Abdullahi is pursuing her master's degree in health care leadership. With her experiences driving her passion, she joined the MIDA FINNSOM programme in July 2024. The program facilitates Somali professionals to return and contribute their skills in various sectors, including health care, in their home country.

Impacting Healthcare in Puntland

Abdullahi currently serves as a diaspora expert nurse in the maternity ward of Garowe General Hospital in Puntland. Her role includes mentoring local healthcare professionals and improving skills in maternity care, ensuring that pregnant women receive comprehensive services from antenatal to postnatal care. Abdullahi emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, having noticed differences in healthcare communication between Finland and Somalia.

Building Trust Through Effective Communication

Upon her return, Abdullahi made it a priority to establish rapport with staff, patients, and their families. She recognized that many patients had limited knowledge of their medical care and sought to foster more effective communication by encouraging her colleagues to engage with patients thoughtfully. Her efforts have resulted in improved interactions between healthcare providers and patients, creating a more reassuring environment for families.

Abdullahi shared a significant moment when tensions rose in the maternity ward during a busy round of doctors. By calmly explaining the need for family members to step outside for privacy, she was able to diffuse the situation, ultimately earning gratitude from the concerned families.

Continuing the Mission

Abdullahi aims to sustain the progress made through her role in the MIDA FINNSOM programme, which is funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The program, initiated in Somalia in 2008, focuses on transferring knowledge, skills, and financial resources from diaspora professionals to help achieve Somalia's development goals.

Her journey reiterates the vital role of effective communication in healthcare, emphasizing that it extends beyond mere medical treatment to ensure a positive patient experience. The MIDA FINNSOM programme not only aids individuals like Abdullahi in giving back to their communities but also strengthens the health infrastructure in Somalia for future generations.

As Abdullahi continues her contributions in the maternity ward of Garowe General Hospital, she is committed to elevating maternal and child health care standards in her homeland, fostering a healthier future for mothers and children in Somalia.