Habibo, a mother of seven children, 4 boys and 3 girls, has faced the harsh realities of displacement due to drought in Qarib village, which is about 5 hour ride to Bardale district. Living in Dhargubey Internally Displaced Person camp (IDP) in Bardale district for the past two years, her family’s shift from a life dependent on livestock, a herd of 10 goats to reliant on daily support has been challenging. With no access to hospitals or health centers in their rural village, Habibo delivered her children at home. The burden of care for her seven children now rests on her shoulders, despite the daily living expenses being covered by her husband, who is working as a porter to help his family.
“Moving from Qarib village was tough. Drought took away our livelihood, and we had to adapt quickly. “ Habibo said
In their new community, external assistance plays a vital role, be it humanitarian aid or support from other families. The family’s health needs are attended by the GREDO health center called Horseed MCH, a 30-minute walk from the IDP. Habibo’s initial misconceptions about vaccinations, including that vaccination attracts diseases to child, have evolved into a deep understanding of the importance of vaccination.
Health education from GREDO staff visiting the IDP, twice a week, and insights gained from her new community have enlightened her about the preventive role vaccinations play in ensuring her children’s well-being.
“Initially, I was not sure about vaccinations, but seeing my children healthy now, I’ve realized its importance. They are the shields that protect my little ones from diseases.” Habibo said
Project Information:
The GREDO organization, in collaboration with the IRC, is currently implementing the GAVI REACH Project in five districts (Bardale, Buurhakaba, Dinsor, Elbarde and Yeed) of Bay and Bakool, Somalia. The project focuses on achieving zero-dose vaccinations for children in these districts. The primary goal of the project is to ensure the health and well-being of the community by providing comprehensive immunization services.
The GAVI REACH project is significant as it plays a crucial role in protecting all children under the age of five from vaccine-preventable diseases. By targeting zero-dose children, the project aims to bridge the gap in vaccination coverage and contribute to the overall improvement of public health in the targeted districts.