By: Yitbarek Tekalign
Inside the elegant halls of Lotus Hotel, while the wind howled restlessly through the streets of Jigjiga, a different kind of energy was taking shape; one powered by passionate dialogue, evidence-based insights, and a shared commitment to improving health and nutrition in the Somali Regional State. Government officials and key pertinent stakeholders, came together for a landmark consultative meeting organized by the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) under its Healthcare and Livelihood Improvement Advocacy Project in Somali (HaLIAPS), with financial support from the Gates Foundation.
The meeting aimed to discuss key findings from a comprehensive study on the current state of healthcare and nutrition in the region. From the very beginning, the energy in the room was palpable. Participants filled the conference space with anticipation and resolve.
Ms Kemeriya Mohammed, HaLIAPS Project Coordinator at GTF, guided the day’s conversation with thoughtful moderation. In her notes, she made it clear that this event was more than a workshop. “This consultative meeting is part of our broader goal to transform Somali Region through evidence-driven policies. HaLIAPS is an instrument for sustainable change,” she stated.
Mr. Iyobed Yonas, GTF’s Program Director, welcomed attendees with a powerful reminder of why the meeting mattered. “This research is not just a report. It is a tool for advocacy and action,” he said. “For over three decades, GTF has worked in underserved regions across Ethiopia, and we are now focusing on advocacy to bring sustainable change to communities like those in Somali Regional State. Evidence must be our compass as we shape policies from the bottom up.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Musa Ahmed Ibrahim, Head of the Somali Regional State Bureau of Health, emphasized the importance of translating the research into concrete action. “These challenges in health and nutrition are rooted in systemic issues, but they are not insurmountable. What we have in this report are not just statistics, but signposts that can guide us toward smarter and more inclusive policies,” he said. He applauded the collaboration between GTF and the President’s Office of Somali Region, calling it a model for future engagements between civil society and government.
The research, presented by Mr. Wakgari Kabata and Mr. Gemechu Bekana of GTF, revealed sobering realities. Awareness and use of family planning services are critically low, with only 11.4 percent of households currently using such services. Teenage pregnancy remains alarmingly high, driven by factors such as early marriage and low education levels. Furthermore, over 41.8 percent of women still give birth at home, without access to skilled healthcare providers. Immunization coverage also showed regional disparities, and a significant number of children continue to face preventable illnesses due to lack of timely medical attention.
What made the day especially impactful, however, was the intensity and honesty of the group discussions. Divided into smaller teams, participants dissected the findings and discussed policy options with vigor. The discussions yielded a wide array of recommendations.
Mr. Teshome Bula, HaLIAPOS Project Manager, highlighted that today’s meeting served essential purposes such as discussing the research, identifying policy advocacy directions, and fostering collaborative partnerships. “We do not believe in isolated solutions. Our approach through HaLIAPS is grounded in collective wisdom and shared responsibility,” he said.
By the time the discussions wrapped up, a shared sense of direction was evident. Participants expressed appreciation for the engagement and voiced hopes for meaningful follow-up. Many left with a clearer understanding of the issues and a commitment to contribute to policy efforts that reflect evidence.
