One visit, more than one essential service
Integrated health and nutrition services are helping families in Baidoa access essential care for their children in one place.
Baidoa, Somalia - As a mother of six, Warda Adan knows how difficult it can be to seek different services for a child, particularly when each one requires a separate journey.
Warda and her family were displaced from Goof Gaduud Shabeelow and now live in Baidoa. Her husband supports the family by working as a driver in the city, while she cares for their three daughters and three sons at home.
When Warda brought her child to Moqor iyo Maayo Health Centre, she was able to access several essential services in one visit. Her child received medicine, nutrition treatment, including ready-to-use therapeutic food, and a routine vaccination.
“I am happy that my child can receive all these services here. We received treatment, nutrition support and vaccination in the same place,” Warda Adan.
For families affected by displacement, receiving integrated care can ease the cost and difficulty of travelling to different facilities. It also reduces the risk that a child will miss an essential service.
Making every visit count
Children who arrive at the health centre for nutrition treatment or medical care can also have their vaccination status checked. If a child has missed a scheduled dose, health workers can provide the appropriate vaccine during the same visit.
For the past eight years, Amina, a health care worker at the centre has helped ensure that children visiting the health centre receive the vaccinations they need. She vaccinates up to 16 children each day, carefully checking their records so that those who have missed a dose can catch up before returning home.
“We provide nutrition treatment, vaccinations and medicines for children. Whenever families visit us, we provide all the services they need and complete any missed vaccinations. Children suffering from malnutrition also receive the necessary support from the nutrition unit.”
Amina.
Amina also checks vaccination records and speaks with caregivers about completing their children’s routine vaccination schedules. As a mother of two daughters, she values the opportunity to help families access timely care.
Responding to the whole child
Malnutrition, illness and missed vaccinations often affect the same vulnerable children. When these services are delivered separately, opportunities to reach them can be lost.
Bringing nutrition, immunization and other essential health services together allows health workers to respond to a child’s immediate needs while also identifying other risks to their health.
For caregivers such as Warda, this means fewer journeys and more complete care. For health workers such as Amina, every visit becomes an opportunity to provide treatment, check a child’s vaccination history and offer protection against preventable diseases.
“As a mother, it gives me peace of mind to know that my children can receive the care they need in one place,” Warda Adan.
With support from the Republic of Korea, UNICEF and partners are helping bring integrated health, nutrition and immunization services closer to children and families in Baidoa, including those affected by displacement.
