Mogadishu (SONNA) — The Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services has reached a major milestone in Somalia’s maternal and reproductive health agenda with the completion and technical validation of the National Comprehensive Postabortion Care (PAC) Guideline Package.
The package forms part of Somalia’s national effort to reduce preventable maternal morbidity and mortality associated with pregnancy loss, miscarriage, incomplete abortion, and related complications.
The development of the national package was led by the Family Health Department of the Ministry, with technical and implementation support from Ipas and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Dr. Abdulrazaq Yusuf Ahmed served as the National Lead Consultant for the development of the nine national documents that make up the comprehensive guideline package.
An executive report confirms that Somalia has completed both the development and technical validation of a nationally owned PAC guideline and comprehensive package. The process was inclusive, bringing together government institutions, Federal Member States, health professionals, academics, civil society organizations, women and youth forums, and development partners.
A National Package for Standardized, Respectful, and Evidence-Based Care
The finalized package includes nine key national documents:
- National Comprehensive Postabortion Care Guideline
- Participant Manual
- Facilitator Manual
- Training Curriculum
- Competency Assessment Tool
- Supportive Supervision Tool
- PAC Register
- Validation Meeting Report
- Feedback Matrix from the Validation Meeting
Together, these documents provide a harmonized national framework for clinical care, training, competency assessment, supervision, documentation, reporting, and quality improvement.
They are designed to support Somali healthcare professionals, Family Health Departments, maternity services, and sexual and reproductive health programs in delivering effective, ethical, respectful, and evidence-based postabortion care.
The package is grounded in Somali cultural values, ethical principles, and national health priorities, while aligning with international best practices and relevant World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health.
Inclusive National Validation Process
The guideline package was reviewed and validated during a three-day national validation workshop held in Mogadishu from 19–21 April 2026.
The workshop brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Member States, Banadir Regional Administration, hospital and health facility managers, clinicians, midwives, nurses, academics, professional associations, health information and monitoring officers, civil society organizations, women and youth forums, and technical partners.
Participants reviewed the documents through a structured and participatory process. Comments, technical recommendations, and proposed revisions were documented in a feedback matrix and incorporated into the final package.
This process strengthened the scientific quality, national ownership, operational feasibility, and implementation readiness of the guidelines.
Recognition of National Leadership and Partner Support
Dr. Abdulrazaq Yusuf Ahmed expressed appreciation for the opportunity entrusted to him by the leadership of the Ministry.
“It is a great honor to submit the final package of the National Comprehensive Postabortion Care Guideline, which forms part of Somalia’s national effort to reduce preventable causes of maternal mortality during pregnancy and related complications,” he said.
Special appreciation was extended to Dr. Naima Abdulkadir for her leadership, technical oversight, and quality assurance throughout the process.
Recognition was also given to Dr. Abdulkadir Wehliye Afrah for his technical expertise, coordination support, and contribution to harmonizing and validating the documents.
The Ministry further acknowledged the contributions of Edward Ngia, Marian Hassan, Evans Ogotti, Ifrah Yusuf, Lucy, and Abdullahi Ali, alongside the wider Ipas and IRC teams, for their technical guidance, financing, coordination, facilitation, and sustained commitment.
IRC played a key role in organizing the validation workshop and supporting stakeholder engagement, while Ipas provided essential technical guidance to ensure the package reflects evidence-based standards and practical implementation needs.
Next Steps Toward National Rollout
With technical validation completed and stakeholder recommendations incorporated, the national PAC package is now ready for formal signing, endorsement, and nationwide rollout.
Implementation will include cascade training, supportive supervision, mentorship, competency-based assessment, improved documentation, and integration into routine health information systems.
The package is expected to strengthen healthcare provider competence, improve service quality, enhance referral readiness, standardize clinical and reporting practices, and contribute to reducing preventable maternal morbidity and mortality across Somalia.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for Somalia’s health sector, highlighting the impact of national leadership, technical partnerships, inclusive consultation, and evidence-based policy development in advancing maternal health and Universal Health Coverage.
