Assessment of Health and Nutrition Needs in Hobyo District: Evaluating WASH Program Progress and Identifying Critical Gaps
In December 2023, our team conducted a comprehensive needs assessment in the Hobyo District, Mudug region, to evaluate health and nutrition challenges and assess the progress of ongoing WASH programs. The assessment focused on Hobyo and its surrounding villages, which have been severely impacted by ongoing conflicts and climate shocks. During our visit, we assessed key facilities, including Hobyo General Hospital, local health posts, and the Hobyo IDP camp. Our findings revealed a critical shortage of healthcare workers, as many had fled due to escalating insecurity and worsening environmental conditions—most notably, the rapid encroachment of sand dunes threatening the city. Interviews with local communities highlighted the urgent need for sustained and strengthened healthcare services.
Galool Welcomes New CEO
The board executives of Galool Development Consultancy are pleased to announce the nomination of Eng. Kaise as the Chief Executive Officer of Galool Development Consultancy. Eng. Kaise brings over 15 years of rich experience in the humanitarian sector, having served in various technical capacities.He holds a Tech in Civil and Structural Engineering from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya and an MSc in Water Management for Development from Loughborough University in the UK. Eng. Kaise has an extensive background in civil engineering and construction management, with a proven track record of excellence working with private firms and esteemed humanitarian organizations such as DAI, ICRC, and Save the Children. His diverse experience and expertise make him an exceptio
Male Genital Schistosomiasis, a hidden health crisis affecting millions
From: Tropical Disease Biology | Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (CNTD) By Professor Russell Stothard, HUGS Lead Investigator Research conducted by the HUGS (Hybridisation in urogenital schistosomiasis) team(link is external)(opens in a new tab) at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has shown Male Genital Schistosomiasis (MGS), a debilitating and often overlooked disease, potentially affects over 40 million men in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite its severe impact on men’s health and its potential role in facilitating the spread of other infections, such as HIV, MGS has remained under the radar of global health initiatives. Research shows we desperately need a paradigm shift in public health policy to address this hidden crisis. Since 2009, “urogenital schistosom
The Importance of Breastfeeding in Somalia: Addressing Challenges and Promoting Change
Breastfeeding is universally acknowledged as a critical foundation for infant health and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years or beyond (site). Despite these guidelines, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding remains alarmingly low in many parts of the world, including Somalia. This deficiency has significant repercussions on the health and survival of children, underlining the urgent need for behavior change initiatives. According to the Somali Demographic Health Survey (SDHS 2020), only 34% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. This is far below the global target set by the World Health Organizati
Mpox Outbreak in 2024: A Call for Early Preparedness and Strategic Response
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the mpox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus, which is related to smallpox although less severe. It is endemic in West and Central Africa. Three different clades exist: clade 1a, clade 1b and clade 2. In countries with a longer history of mpox, apparent wider population transmission is reported with unclear routes. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is characterized by symptoms such as fever, intense headache, swelling of lymph nodes, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash. The rash typically begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, evolving through several stages before forming scabs and eventually falling off. The virus spreads primarily through close contact with an infected individual, including direct contact with the rash, s