MIDA FINNSOM Reproductive Health, Phase V, Somaliland

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

MIDA Finnsom V Reproductive Health Project, implemented by IOM, aims to improve the health status of Somalis in Somaliland, especially with regard to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). At the outcome level, the project aims to strengthen the capacity of public health institutions to deliver and implement quality sexual and reproductive health and rights services and to develop related policies (Outcome 1) and to enhance the capacity of health institutions to support the long-term sustainable development of the health sector (Outcome 2). These objectives will be achieved through five outputs focusing on capacity building: increasing the SRHR skills of professionals (output 1.1), strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Health to develop and implement general health and SRHR policies (output 1.2), improving the capacity of health institutions to deliver SRHR services (outputs 2.1-2.2) and strengthening the inter-regional capacity, coordination and networking of health institutions and staff (output 2.3). In the project, diaspora experts, in particular from Finland, train and mentor local health professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwives, health authorities and health educators. In addition, they contribute to the development of strategies, plans and standards in the sector. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare will also be involved in the implementation of the project, in particular in strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Health Development. Particular attention will be paid to women's and children's health services and SRHR rights. In the long term, the project is expected to contribute to the improvement of the health of the population, especially women and children. The first Finnish-funded MIDA project started in Somalia as early as 2008. The project has been evaluated three times, and evaluations show that the project has significantly strengthened the capacity of public health institutions to provide quality services. In phase V, special attention has been paid to the evaluation recommendations and lessons learned. For example, increasing focus on SRHR services, strengthening ownership of the ministry in the project and enhancing the capacity of hospitals in remote areas instead of the capital Hargeisa. The total budget for phase V is EUR 3,075,000. The duration of the fifth phase is three years (2022-2024).