From door to door, Farhiyo’s mission to protect children in Dhusmareeb
With patience, clear guidance, and engaging storytelling, Farhiyo helps families to understand how to keep their children healthy by teaching them simple habits that protect against illnesses.
Every morning in Dhusamareeb, Farhiyo Mohamed visits families in their homes, talking with parents about their children’s health. She answers their questions about vaccines, nutrition, and hygiene, and helps them to understand simple ways to keep their children healthy.
Farhiyo, 38, has been working as a social mobiliser for the last four years. She is also a mother of five, raising her children while dedicating herself to helping other families understand simple steps that can protect their children from preventable illnesses.
“I talk to people the way I would want someone to talk to me,” she says. “Most parents want to do the right thing. Sometimes they just need clear information and reassurance.”
Her morning begins with a household visit. She kneels to greet a small child, checks their vaccination card, and explains the next steps in simple language. Some parents are eager to listen; others are cautious. Farhiyo is patient with all.
Later, she joins a small community gathering in a local health centre. Using storytelling and visual aids, she talks about keeping children healthy, the benefits of immunization, and simple ways to improve nutrition at home. Her words spark questions, laughter, and sometimes quiet nods of understanding.
During one of her visits, Farhiyo met Malyuun Mohamed, a 27-year-old mother of four. She manages her household and cares for her children while keeping up with daily family responsibilities. Malyuun listened closely as Farhiyo explained the importance of vaccines and good nutrition, then went with her to the health centre to learn more and for routine heath check for her youngest child.
“As a mother, I have learned a lot over the years, but this visit showed me things I didn’t know before,” Malyuun says. “I now know where to go for help and the services available for mothers like me, and I feel supported in keeping my children healthy.”
Farhiyo’s efforts are part of the Joint Resilient Programme, funded by the German Government, which supports health promotion and community awareness activities across Galmudug. Since June 2025, social mobilisers have visited thousands of households, identified children who missed vaccinations, and linked families to health services. Campaigns in schools, markets, and villages, along with radio messages, have helped spread information about child health, nutrition, and hygiene.
Farhiyo’s work is not without challenges. Long walks, balancing her own family responsibilities, and reaching hesitant parents can be exhausting. Yet, she remains committed.
“This job supports my children, but more than that, it allows me to help my community,” she says. “When I see a mother take her child for vaccination after our talk, I feel proud.”
As the day ends, Farhiyo returns home, tired but satisfied. She knows that every conversation, every visit, and every follow-up is a step toward healthier children. Through her work and the efforts of her fellow social mobilisers, families in Dhusamareeb are learning, slowly but surely, how small actions like these can make a big difference in their children’s lives.
