Healing Minds in Somalia

Somalia is a country marked by incredible resilience, yet it faces immense challenges. Recurring droughts, devastating floods, conflict and persistent displacement have strained communities to their limits. These crises have left millions struggling not only with physical needs but also with the invisible scars of mental health challenges. Recognising the growing need for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Medair remains at the forefront, providing care and hope to vulnerable communities.

Understanding the Crisis and Its Impact

Years of climate shocks and displacement have eroded the coping mechanisms of Somalia’s communities. Families uprooted from their homes are left with little to sustain themselves, while the stress of survival takes a heavy toll on mental health. Vulnerable groups—children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities—are especially affected.  The resulting MHPSS needs in insecure crisis settings are immense, ranging from trauma to neurological conditions such as epilepsy, which can be caused by head injuries, malnutrition, infections due to lack of proper sanitation and untreated infections.

A Success Story: Idil and Her Son Diric

One of the many individuals impacted by Medair’s work is Idil*, a mother of ten who lives near a Medair-supported health facility in southern Somalia. She shared her story:

"My son Diric* is 15 months old. The child was unwell, and that is why I came here the first time. Diric was diagnosed with a neurological condition. He was treated here and is now much better. At first, the child was unwellat home.  He presented involuntary bodily functions when experiencing a seizure. I brought him here. I was very sad to see him suffering and I was very distressed."

Medair’s health workers diagnosed Diric and started him on medication for his neurological condition. The results have been transformative:

"Before, the child did not move well. He used to suffer from post-seizure consequences, such as reduced mobility and stiffness of his body. Now he is crawling, eating well, and even building muscles. When I see my child improving and getting better, I feel very happy."

For Idil, the availability of free, quality care has been life-changing:

"The services provided here for both children and adults are very good. My husband is sick, and I have another child with a disability. These are my challenges. I am happy that the clinic is here and that I can get free services. We hope that the services here can continue."

Comprehensive MHPSS Care

Medair’s MHPSS services integrate seamlessly with its broader health programs. At Medair-supported facilities, trained staff offer consultations for mental, neurological, and substance use conditions, using the World Health Organization’s guidelines. Community volunteers are equipped to deliver psychosocial support messages and facilitate group awareness sessions on stress management and positive parenting. Child-friendly spaces at health facilities provide safe environments where children like Diric can play, heal, and grow, offering much-needed relief for parents while fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Empowering Communities for the Future

Medair’s work in Somalia is grounded in sustainability. By training local health workers and volunteers, Medair ensures that communities have the tools and knowledge to address their own mental health needs. Referral pathways to specialized services are established for severe cases, bridging the gap between primary care and advanced treatment.

The Road Ahead

While progress has been made, the needs in Somalia remain vast. The communities continue to face overlapping crises, and the demand for MHPSS services grows. Medair’s holistic approach—combining health, nutrition, water, sanitation and protection—offers a lifeline to vulnerable families. Sustained support is crucial to continue this transformative work.

Be a Part of the Solution

Your support can help Medair continue its lifesaving work in Somalia, bringing healing and hope to those in need. Together, we can ensure that families like Idil’s have access to the care they deserve.

Donate today to make a difference.

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* Names have been changed for security reasons.

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.