Motherhood Shouldn’t Be a Death Sentence: Maternal Mortality in Somalia

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-political, and healthcare challenges that have persisted for decades. Understanding the history of maternal mortality in Somalia and addressing its root causes is critical to safeguarding the lives of mothers and children and fostering a healthier future for the nation.

A major contributing factor is the lack of access to skilled birth attendants. Fewer than 10% of births in Somalia are attended by trained medical professionals, with the rest relying on untrained traditional midwives or family members. Compounding this issue is the limited availability of healthcare facilities, which are often located far from rural communities. For many women, the cost of transportation and medical services is prohibitive, forcing them to give birth at home without adequate care.

Poverty exacerbates the situation further. Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world, and malnutrition among pregnant women is widespread. Poor maternal nutrition leads to a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, diseases such as malaria, sepsis, and untreated infections claim many lives that could otherwise be saved with basic medical interventions.

Cultural practices also play a significant role. Early marriage is prevalent in Somalia, with many girls becoming mothers before their bodies are fully developed, increasing the risk of childbirth complications. The stigma surrounding maternal health and the prioritization of traditional methods over medical care prevent many women from seeking help until it is too late. Additionally, the lack of education among women and girls means that many are unaware of the importance of prenatal and postnatal care.

This legacy persists today. Despite pockets of stability, Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for a woman to give birth. In every corner of the country, there are stories of mothers who died needlessly, whispering through the silence left behind: “I deserved to live.”

A mother hemorrhaging during childbirth in a remote village faces an impossible choice: risk the long, expensive journey to the nearest hospital or hope the bleeding stops on its own. Too often, the journey is never made, and the bleeding never stops. In her final moments, surrounded by despair and panic, she may think, “I wanted to hold my baby, not leave them motherless.”

Another mother, struggling with an obstructed labor, might cry out for help in a camp for displaced people, only to find that no help is coming. Her screams fade into silence, leaving behind a newborn too fragile to survive without her. Her story, like so many others, ends with a heartbreaking truth: “I deserved a chance to live.”

The death of a mother in childbirth leaves behind more than just grief. It leaves behind children who will grow up without a mother’s love and guidance. A newborn, clinging to life without a mother’s care, faces a grim future. For her surviving children, the world becomes colder, harder, and more uncertain. The husband, the siblings, and the community all feel the weight of her absence.

The death of a mother in Somalia often echoes in these words from those left behind: “She was everything to us. How will we live without her?”

A Path Forward

The high maternal mortality rate in Somalia is not an insurmountable challenge. Solutions exist and have been proven effective in similar contexts around the world. First and foremost, improving access to skilled healthcare professionals is essential. Training and deploying midwives and community health workers in rural areas can significantly reduce maternal deaths. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, including well-equipped clinics and emergency transportation services, are also critical.

Education plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of maternal mortality. Raising awareness about the importance of maternal health can empower women to seek care and make informed decisions about their health. Addressing cultural norms that perpetuate early marriage and discourage medical intervention requires community engagement and collaboration with local leaders.

A Call to Action

The death of a mother during childbirth is a tragedy that ripples far beyond her immediate family, affecting the well-being of her children, the stability of her community, and the development of her country. Maternal mortality in Somalia is a preventable crisis, and no mother should have to suffer in silence while giving life. Addressing this issue requires urgent action at all levels, from strengthening healthcare systems to challenging harmful cultural norms and empowering women through education.

The silence surrounding maternal mortality in Somalia must be broken. By raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and investing in proven solutions, we can ensure that childbirth becomes a moment of joy rather than a gamble with life. The time to act is now, for every mother deserves the chance to bring life into the world without risking her own.