Doctors Somalia

Since 1991, Somalia has been a war torn country in which opposing clans take part in armed warfare on a continual basis. Violence and death is a reality that the Somalian people are forced to live with. Shootings and bombings are an everyday occurrence in Somalia, especially around the capital city of Mogadishu. However, a recent census showed that only about 9% of the population had access to medical treatment, whereas 91% of the population did not have access to a doctor. In a country where people are the victims of violence everyday, it is essential that injured individuals have the ability to see a doctor. Many Somalians are afraid to venture outside of their homes and they will not seek the help of a doctor, even in emergency situations. In Somalia the majority of medical assistance is provided by foreign doctors and organizations, as there are few educated Somalian doctors in the country today. One organization that is a leader in Somalian relief efforts is Doctors Without Borders.

Doctors Without Borders has been operating in Somalia since the collapse of the government and the outbreak of the civil war in 1991. They provide access to medical care and assistance to individuals who are in severe need of attention from a doctor. To date, Doctors Without Borders has provided health care to thousands of individuals in Somalia. This organization is the main provider of free medical service throughout the country. They have maintained a staff of 1,452 individuals in Somalia and they have another staff consisting of 104 people in Nairobi, who travel to Somalia and offer assistance when security will allow it. Doctors Without Borders provides primary health care to the people of Somalia, as well as treats people who have been displaced or are suffering from malnutrition. They offer treatment and perform surgery on individuals who have been injured by violence due to the ongoing civil war. Doctors Without Borders also assists in distributing water and relief supplies throughout the country. In 2008 the doctors from this organization provided the people of Somalia with 727, 428 outpatient consultations and they treated 55,000 women for ante-natal care. 4,000 people who were suffering from malaria were able to receive treatment from a doctor. They also provided 1,556 Somalians with tuberculosis treatment. Doctors Without Borders distributed food and provided medical care to 35,000 people who were suffering from nutrition and also administered 82,174 vaccinations. Having access to a doctor is something that is taken for granted by many people living in developed nations. For the people living with constantly appalling conditions in Somalia, the organization is Doctors Without Borders is providing them with an invaluable service. Because of these doctors the people of Somalia are able to cope with illnesses, wounds and infections that may have otherwise killed them. Each doctor that is working in Somalia is risking his/her life everyday to help improve the lives of the individuals who are living in this unstable country.