Mariam Dini's World

  In recent years, the cost of healthcare in Mogadishu has been rising steadily, putting increasing pressure on residents already facing a high cost of living. As the population grows and the demand for medical services increases, healthcare providers in the capital have raised their fees, making access to essential medical care a challenge for many. This surge in costs is a significant burden on the community, particularly as the city grapples with economic instability and limited access to affordable healthcare. Mogadishu's healthcare system is largely dominated by private hospitals, as the public healthcare infrastructure remains underdeveloped due to years of conflict and limited government investment. For many families in Mogadishu, the increasing cost of healthcare is a daily struggle. With limited access to affordable healthcare, people often rely on family members, local clinics, or traditional medicine. The steep fees at private hospitals force individuals to choose be...

For every Somali mother who dies, there is a haunting truth: she deserved better. She deserved the chance to hold her baby, to watch her children grow, to live. But instead, she is silenced in the act of giving life. Today, Somalia’s maternal mortality rate remains one of the highest globally, with approximately more than 692 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, according to UNICEF. For comparison, this is nearly 50 times higher than in high-income countries. The majority of these deaths occur due to preventable or treatable causes, such as postpartum hemorrhage, infections, eclampsia, and obstructed labor etc. The healthcare system, however, is ill-equipped to address these complications. Maternal mortality is one of the most harrowing public health crises Somalia faces today. Despite the many advances in global healthcare, the country continues to witness devastatingly high rates of maternal deaths. This silent crisis reflects a complex interplay of historical, socio-politica...

  On December 9, 2023, the Somali Federal Parliament approved the appropriated Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) budget for the 2024 fiscal year in a joint session. The budget was for the first time over one billion USD – $1, 079,315,784. Over 66% percent of the appropriated budget ($694.6 million) is expected from donors while domestic revenue is $346.2 million, or 33.3 percent. [1] Somalia, a nation that has endured decades of civil war, natural disasters, and political upheaval, has relied heavily on international aid to meet its urgent humanitarian needs. The global community's response has been crucial in alleviating immediate suffering, yet the long-term effects of sustained aid dependence raise serious concerns about Somalia’s development trajectory. While aid can provide critical support during crises, over-reliance on it can lead to detrimental outcomes that hinder the country’s growth and self-sufficiency. This blog post delves into the unintended consequences of aid ...

In recent years, Somalia has made significant strides toward rebuilding its economy and governance structures after decades of conflict. Yet, the introduction of a Value Added Tax (VAT) by the Somali government has ignited a wave of public discontent, primarily because of the absence of corresponding free public services. The new tax, implemented with the aim of raising revenue for the government, has left many Somalis questioning its fairness and purpose, particularly in a country where access to essential services is still limited. This blog explores the impact of the new VAT on Somali households, examining how the tax exacerbates existing economic challenges and the broader implications for public trust and social stability. The Introduction of VAT in Somalia In 2023, Somalia introduced a 5% VAT on goods and services, a move aimed at increasing government revenue to fund public services and infrastructure. However, this policy has been met with widespread criticism, as citizens argu...

In a world where economies thrive on innovation and skill, Somalia stands at a crossroads brimming with untapped potential. As the nation navigates its path toward sustainable development, the key to unlocking its future lies in harnessing its most valuable asset—its people.  Investing in human capital is not just a strategic choice but a necessity for Somalia’s economic resurgence and social progress. From empowering youth with education to fostering entrepreneurial spirit, this blog delves into how strategic investments in human capital can transform Somalia’s landscape, paving the way for a vibrant and prosperous future. Join me as i explore the profound impact of nurturing talent and the innovative steps needed to propel Somalia into a new era of growth and opportunity. Somalia is endowed with a wealth of natural resources and a predominantly youthful population. Despite these advantages, the country faces significant development challenges. Despite facing numerous challenges...

“Bulshada caalamka, qaramada midoobe, mareykanka, waxaan ka codsaneynaa in ay gargaar degdeg ah noo fidiyaan ama nasoo gaarsiiyaan”. Hadaladaan waan maqalnaa marar badan gaar ahaan xiliyada ay dhacaan musiibooyinka dabiiciga ah (National disaster) sida abaaraha, fatahaadaha iyo wixii lamid ah oo aan ka maqalno madaxda ama shacabka. Gargaarka shisheeye waxa uu qayb muhiim ah ka yahay nolosha maalinlaha ah ee dalalka soo koraya, gaar ahaan Afrika. Waxa uu gaaray heer lagu xisaabtamo, oo la sugo marka uu soo dhacayo sidii qaad ka raagay muqayiliintiina loogu qayliyo wax u dhigma “SOO DHACYEEY!  Dawladaha Afrika gaar ahaan Somalia waxa la dareemi karaa in ay si xooggan isugu diyaariyaan maaraynta iyo meel-ku-basrinta wixii gargaar debadda uga soo xerooda dalka, iyaga oo sanaadiiq loogu talagalay, iyo kiishash gaar ah u samaysta! Saamaynta gargaarka shisheeye ku yeeshay siyaasadda, dhaqaalaha iyo qaabdhismeedka bulshada waddamadan waxa ay ahayd mid xajmigeeda aan indhaha laga qarsan ka...