Somalia: Curbing the spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 is one more threat to the lives, health and livelihoods for those already suffering from the effects of violence and climatic shocks in Somalia. The ICRC Somalia delegation, in close collaboration with the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), has adapted its humanitarian operation to respond to the pandemic by complementing the response of Somali authorities and other international organizations. This is being done by observing the fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence.

The ICRC adapted its response both by adjusting existing programmes to respond to the emergency and by developing new programmes to tackle the specific needs that emerge with the pandemic. The ICRC's humanitarian activities to address and mitigate the consequences of conflict and natural disaster continue to be implemented wherever possible.

Highlights of our response to COVID-19 in Somalia

	In 29 PHC clinics, 30 handwashing areas were established, while more than 36,000 litres of chlorine have been used for disinfection purposes.
	Screening/triage areas and isolation centres for 15 and ten beds in Kismayo and Keysaney hospitals have been set up.
	45,990 health promotion sessions reached more than 434,580 people across the country.
	A total of 1,753 SRCS volunteers and health staff of PHC clinics and hospitals were trained on COVID-19 prevention messages.
	Over 467,990 pieces of soaps distributed.
	More than 100 handwashing stations have been equipped in places of detention centres. Over 1,600 masks and 300 pair of gloves have been distributed to detainees.
	400 IDPs benefited from basic hygiene facilities and free RFL phone calls.
	12 radio stations across the country broadcasted daily COVID-19 prevention messages to the public since 4 April 2020.
	Contact tracing is undertaken through the ICRC's Community Call Centre. 335 contacts linked to 139 suspected cases are currently being traced.
	Multipurpose cash grants have been distributed the 16,935 vulnerable households.

For a detailed update of our response to COVID-19, click here.