Offering healthcare to vulnerable communities

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See the difference

Mariam, 23, suffered an obstructed labour ten years ago. In the developed world this would have been taken care of with a Caesarean section. In the poor countryside of Somalia, Mariam's baby died. The trauma left Mariam incontinent, her husband left her, and she was stigmatized by society.

In rural east Africa, and especially in a war torn country like Somalia, the problems that ensue from complications in pregnancy - maternal deaths, stillborn babies, and life-long medical trauma - are a fact of life. Mariam came to the SOS Mother and Child Clinic, Mogadishu, and was given the chance to rebuild her life.

It is estimated that half a million women die each year from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. In the developing world, complications in pregnancy and childbirth constitute the second biggest killer of women of reproductive age after HIV/AIDS, leaving hundreds of thousands of children with no one to care for them. 

Free Medical Care

SOS Children runs medical centres in areas where there is no other medical provision. We give women access to quality care during pregnancy, safe childbirth by well-trained birth attendants, and neonatal care. But our work is not limited to maternity care: around the world, our Medical Centres offer vaccinations, advice on hygiene, nutrition and first aid, information on HIV/AIDS and their prevention, and crucial psychosocial support for traumatised and vulnerable children.

Spreading know-how to remote areas

In remote communities with no access to a clinic, SOS Children's staff give training to designated medical helpers so that they can perform basic procedures and give advice.

We work closely with local authorities, communities and other NGOs to share basic knowledge on the prevention and treatment of diseases and the numerous conditions which are often closely related to poverty.

Somalia, Mogadishu

In war torn Somalia the health system has effectively disintegrated. Premises are looted or destroyed, hospital management structures and supply systems are non-functional, and training has come to a halt.

Despite the ongoing conflict, SOS Children continues to provide comprehensive medical services to the population at its Medical Centre where 30,000 people each year are treated by our staff.