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 Organization (WHO), which aims for at least 50% of infants to be exclusively breastfed by 2025 (WHO, 2014). The low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Somalia can be attributed to various factors, including cultural practices, lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare services. These factors collectively contribute to poor health outcomes among Somali children, who experience high rates of malnutrition, stunting, and preventable diseases.

The consequences of low exclusive breastfeeding rates in Somalia are profound. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that protect infants against common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which are leading causes of child mortality in Somalia. Infants who are not exclusively breastfed are at a higher risk of infections, such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which are leading causes of child mortality in Somalia (WHO, 2014). Additionally, these children are more likely to suffer from malnutrition and its associated complications, including stunted growth and impaired cognitive development.

Furthermore, the World Bank highlights that poor breastfeeding practices contribute to high rates of stunting, which affects 25% of children under five in Somalia (World Bank 2020). Stunted children are more likely to experience cognitive impairments, reduced educational attainment, and lower economic productivity in adulthood. Therefore, improving breastfeeding practices is critical for breaking the cycle of poverty and poor health outcomes in Somalia.

Addressing the low rates of exclusive breastfeeding in Somalia requires comprehensive behavior change interventions. These interventions must target the root causes, including cultural beliefs, misinformation, and inadequate support systems for mothers. This includes educating communities about its benefits and dispelling myths that discourage breastfeeding. For instance, some Somali mothers believe that breastfeeding alone is insufficient for their infants, leading them to introduce complementary foods prematurely. Community health workers and traditional birth attendants can play a crucial role in changing these perceptions by providing accurate information and support.

Additionally, creating supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers is essential. This includes advocating for policies that provide maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Healthcare facilities must also be equipped to offer lactation support services and ensure that healthcare providers are trained in breastfeeding counseling.

Galool Development Consulting is uniquely positioned to address the breastfeeding challenges in Somalia. With its team of diverse and experienced professionals, Galool combines strong local knowledge with expertise in health, nutrition, and community engagement. This makes the organization an invaluable partner in promoting breastfeeding and improving child health outcomes in Somalia.

Galool’s deep understanding of the local context in Somalia is a critical asset and an added value. The organization is well-versed in the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence health behaviors. This local knowledge enables Galool to design and implement culturally appropriate interventions that resonate with communities and are more likely to succeed.

For example, Galool can leverage its connections with local leaders and influencers to advocate for breastfeeding. By engaging religious leaders, clan elders, and women’s groups, Galool can foster community-wide support for breastfeeding initiatives. This grassroots approach ensures that interventions are accepted and sustained over time.

Galool’s team comprises professionals with extensive experience in public health, nutrition, and behavior change communication. This expertise allows Galool to develop evidence-based strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of Somali communities.

In addition, one of Galool’s key strengths is its ability to conduct rigorous assessments and evaluations. By collecting and analyzing data on breastfeeding practices and barriers, Galool can identify the most effective interventions and measure their impact. This evidence-driven approach ensures that resources are used efficiently and that programs achieve their intended outcomes.

Galool Development Consulting also serves as a critical link between funders and local communities. Funders looking to invest in health initiatives in Somalia can rely on Galool as their “foot on the ground.” With its established presence and trusted relationships, Galool can facilitate the implementation of donor-funded projects, ensuring that they are contextually appropriate and community-driven.

Galool’s ability to navigate the complexities of the Somali context is invaluable for funders. The organization can provide insights into local needs and priorities, helping funders to align their investments with the most pressing health challenges. Additionally, Galool’s monitoring, and evaluation capabilities allow funders to track progress and demonstrate the impact of their investments.

References

Somali Demographic Health Survey (SDHS), 2020. https://somalia.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pubpdf/FINAL%20SHDS%20Report%202020_V7_0.pdf

World Health Organization (WHO), “Global Targets 2025: To Improve Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition,” 2014. https://apps.who.int/nutrition/landscape/report.aspx?iso=SOM