Additional Context: MSF has documented the closures while keeping its independently-funded medical programming active. As noted in their reporting, from January to June 2025, MSF teams at Bay Regional Hospital treated 11,894 malnourished children, an increase of 76% compared to the same period last year. This significant surge in malnutrition admissions, along with rising cases of maternal health complications, underscores the effects of the closures.

In Somalia, families frequently delay seeking medical assistance until conditions worsen, often relying initially on traditional healers. Misconceptions surrounding vaccinations, such as beliefs linking them to infertility or other illnesses, further limit access to preventive care. Continuous health education and community engagement are essential to building trust in medical services and encouraging timely care-seeking.

Source: MSF