Somalia > Programme description
1. How long has Medair been in the country?
Medair completed a one-year Health and Water & Sanitation (WatSan) programme in Somalia from 1993 to 1994, exiting the country when the projects were completed. In March 2008, Medair began establishing a new integrated Health and WatSan programme in Somalia to respond to the high level of needs among the vulnerable population.
We have been working in Somalia since July 2008 and are currently working in the health, nutrition and water-sanitation sectors as well as relief and livelihood activities. In December 2008, Medair established an emergency nutrition programme in Somaliland, followed by health and Watsan projects in the same area.
2. What is Medair doing in the country?
Medair’s overall goal in Somalia is to provide high-quality humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities by improving access to health and nutrition services, safe water supply, and adequate sanitation. Our programmes focus on both urban and rural areas where conflict- or disaster-affected populations have not received sufficient humanitarian assistance, or where current humanitarian capacity is insufficient to address the most critical needs. Medair implements directly and through local partners to build the technical and management capacity of local NGOs, health workers, and national staff.
3. Where are we working?
Listening to the community
Middle Shabelle Region
Medair is working in Middle Shabelle, Somalia to provide assistance to drought and conflicted affected populations in areas where little humanitarian assistance has been provided.
This main programme is to provide nutrition services, basic health care, and improved access to clean water to the communities. New livelihood projects target the most vulnerable to help them recover from the effects of the drought and improve nutrition for their families.
Somaliland
Medair is working in Burao, Togdheer region to assist the urban poor and those displaced who fled to the urban center due to drought or conflict in other regions.
The main programme is a nutrition programme aimed at malnourished children under the age of five, as well health and water-sanitation projects in the most vulnerable camps and settlements in and around Burao town.
Medair plans to expand current programmes to new areas in 2009, including the Sahel district of Somaliland to provide health and nutrition services to IDPs. Medair will also expand health and nutrition services to Rage Elle District, Middle Shabelle.
4. How many people are working for Medair in Somalia?
Medair currently employs seven International or Kenyan Recruited staff, 24 national staff, and works with over 50 local partner staff.