The Government of Puntland, Germany and UNICEF celebrate the inauguration of the Garowe General Hospital, ready to service over one million people

GAROWE, Somalia, 24 September 2024: The President of Puntland, His Excellency Said Abdulahi Deni, has presided over the high-level inauguration and handover of the Garowe General Hospital to the Government of Puntland. The €2.3 million project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank, with UNICEF-supported rehabilitation and procurement of medical equipment.

"I extend my sincere thanks to all the stakeholders involved in this project, including KfW, the Ministry, Garowe General Hospital and UNICEF for their immense hard work in ensuring quality and transparency," said H.E. Said Abdulahi Deni. "We must continue to develop our health services, particularly to benefit women and children. I hope this support will continue, as many of our communities remain vulnerable and in great need."

The German-funded ‘Support to Strengthening Health Systems in Puntland' (SSHSP) programme was a lifeline during the drought crises in 2018 and 2022, when malnutrition, disease and displacements soared. 

“With this rehabilitation, over one million people can be serviced in the state-of-the-art Garowe General Hospital, contributing to a more robust health system in Puntland. Since 2017, the SSHSP programme, with a total funding envelope of close to €31 million, has constructed and rehabilitated 12 health centres, 2 regional health offices, and 3 district hospitals that have improved access to essential health services and expanded health infrastructure,” said the Puntland Minister of Health, Said Jama Ali Qoorsheel.

The UNICEF programme supported 43 health facilities in Mudug and Nugal regions, where over 700,000 people accessed outpatient services, over 130,000 children under one year old were vaccinated, and over 130,000 children under five were screened for acute malnutrition, treating those in need.

“The Federal Republic of Germany has supported the expansion and renovation of the Garowe General Hospital with over €2 million. The new Accident and Emergency Response Unit, Maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and international-standard operating theatres will significantly improve health care services,” said the German Ambassador, Sebastian Groth.

Actions to address the high maternal, newborn and childhood mortality in Somalia are imperative, as every year, out of 1,000 children born, 106 will die before their fifth birthday. This is one of the highest under-five mortality rates in the world. This hospital will improve these numbers by increasing access to quality health services for people from the surrounding regions. Multiple enhancements include a fully equipped maternity and newborn unit, a revamped outpatient department for children and adults, and improved utilities, including piped oxygen, water and electricity, with a 25 per cent increase in bed capacity.

“UNICEF thanks President Deni for his personal commitment to support this project and Germany’s commitment to investing in Somalia,” said the UNICEF Somalia Representative, Wafaa Saeed. “UNICEF will continue to support the Garowe Hospital with essential commodities such as vaccines, diagnostic kits and therapeutic food for malnourished children. Mothers can feel secure knowing they will get free and quality health services for themselves and their children, ensuring they have the best start in life.”

Close to €1 million is required annually to sustain the hospital. The Puntland Ministry of Finance, UNICEF, and the World Bank-funded Damaal Caafimad programme have secured payment through 2025. Investing in the Garowe General Hospital and health infrastructure is a sound investment in Somalia's future and will profoundly impact millions of people in years to come.