Health Department

Health Department

Background

The Health and Public Awareness Directorate is a newly established strategic arm of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) with a primary focus on emergency health response and public safety awareness initiatives. Committed to safeguarding the safety and well-being of the Somali population, the directorate aims to enhance the nation’s resilience in the face of disasters, conflicts, and public health emergency challenges.

Even though droughts and floods are the most common disasters in Somalia, they have been exacerbated by conflicts and political upheaval for decades. Bombings and direct fighting cause numerous casualties and trauma, resulting in significant fatalities each year, with more civilians suffering blast injuries and many of them endure permanent disabilities. Numerous studies suggest that a well-established prehospital care system, mass casualty management preparedness and health emergency coordination hub could have prevented at least one-third of these deaths.

The establishment of The Health and Public Safety Awareness Directorate within the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) is imperative, with a primary focus on Emergence Health and mass casualty situations. This directorate plays a vital role in effectively addressing the recurrent emergency health challenges posed by disasters, including conflicts, trauma, droughts, and floods in Somalia. Through coordinated disaster response efforts, bolstering trauma care in health facilities, and forging strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders, implementation of preventive measures, proactive health awareness campaigns, and the enhancement of prehospital care infrastructure, the directorate is geared towards significantly mitigating the adverse impact of emergencies on vulnerable communities.

Investing in SoDMA’s Health and Public safety Awareness Directorate is a critical and prudent endeavor, positioned to create a healthier and safer Somalia, where lives are preserved, health is safeguarded, and citizens are empowered to confront adversities with resilience and preparedness.

Vision

In harmony with entire SoDMA, the Department envisions “Resilient and healthy Somalia, where disasters are tackled, and disaster related health challenges mitigated”.

Mission

As an integral part of the broader SoDMA’s mission, Health and Public Safety Awareness Directorate is committed to promoting healthy emergency and public Safety awareness, empowering communities, and leading coordinated health specific disaster response efforts. Together with the entire agency, we strive to create a healthier and safer Somalia for all citizens.

MAIN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Enhanced Emergency Health Response: Strengthen emergency health response capabilities to provide timely and efficient medical assistance during disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies, reducing morbidity and mortality.
2. Mass Casualty Preparedness and Mitigation: Develop proactive mass casualty preparedness plans and mitigation strategies to minimize the impact and build resilience in vulnerable communities.
3. Health Safety Awareness and Education: Increase health Safety awareness and education through culturally relevant campaigns, empowering communities to adopt preventive measures and promote healthier lifestyles.
4. Capacity Building and Collaboration: Build the capacity of healthcare professionals, first responders, and community volunteers through training programs and foster collaborations with relevant stakeholders for improved disaster management and public health initiatives.