A lifeline for Amina

Before conflict erupted in the Sool region of Somaliland, Amina ran a small traditional tea shop that provided for her family. However, when violence forced them to flee, they left everything behind, including their only source of livelihood.
"Our lives were turned upside down," says the 35-year-old mother of six. "My cousin kindly opened her home to me and three of my children, providing us with shelter and food. We sometimes have to stay with another cousin due to the financial strain."
Amidst the turmoil, Amina's children became sick.

Amina found help at the Oog Health Facility, supported by Save the Children. Despite facing critical shortages of medicine and supplies due to the influx of people who are internally displaced within the country, the clinic has provided vital assistance to countless families who have faced major disease outbreaks, including malaria, malnutrition, and respiratory infections. 
Including Amina's children.

"Her children were among those seeking treatment at our facility," says Jamila, a nurse and team leader at Oog Health Facility. "Unfortunately, they were suffering from acute malnutrition, requiring intensive therapeutic food rations. Amina's youngest child was particularly unwell, diagnosed with severe malnutrition, cough, and diarrhea."

"Our team is dedicated to providing essential health services for mothers and children. This includes care during pregnancy, outpatient treatments, postpartum support, malnutrition treatment, and immunization for children under five years old. Each day, we serve over 30 mothers and children at our outpatient center."

"The ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country has led to an influx of families fleeing the war and seeking refuge near our facility," concludes Jamila. "It is our mission to provide crucial care and support to families like Amina's, ensuring that every child receives the best possible treatment."

With the support of the Government of Canada through the Humanitarian Coalition, our member Save the Children has provided assistance to the Oog Health Facility in the Laascanood district to help families, including Amina's, improve their health and nutrition. 
"We, as a community are very grateful," says Amina. "The support and free services we've received from the health facility have been a lifeline for us. They have provided crucial medical assistance and nutritional aid during this challenging period. I am grateful to both the health workers at the health facility for their unconditional service and as well to Save the Children for providing support to the health facility."

With dedicated staff like Jamila leading the charge, the Oog Health Facility not only provides essential health services, but also offers a lifeline to families like Amina's, enabling them to rebuild lives disrupted by war.

As Amina and her children navigate the uncertainties and hardships of displacement, she -- like countless other families across Somaliland -- are experiencing better health, improving their chances to earn a livelihood and generate an income, gaining in strength and determination to ensure their family's future.