SOMALIA

INTERSOS started its operations in Somalia immediately after its establishment as a NGO in 1992. Its current involvement in the country is therefore deeply rooted in its humanitarian work including IDP repatriation, health, water and sanitation, rural development and education. INTERSOS has two key strategic objectives in Somalia: to enhance its commitment to reconstruct a network of basic health, education and water and sanitation services benefiting the most vulnerable part of the population; and to contribute to the reconciliation and the building of a culture of peace and respect for fundamental human rights.

INTERSOS Somalia’s initial work included assistance to 37,000 refugees and continued with activities focusing on reconstruction or reactivation of health and sanitation structures, locating drinking water, agricultural development and support of primary education. Intersos’ main operating area included various regions in central-southern Somalia (Bay-Bakol, Gedo, Lower and Middle Shebelle, Lower Giuba, Benadir).

Intersos assumed responsibility for the management of the Jowhar Regional Hospital in 1994, and continues to manage this important health center today. Since 1994, INTERSOS has worked to maintain and improve this vital health facility. INTERSOS’ work with the Jowhar Regional Hospital has included humanitarian action for the hospital, supplying vaccines and drugs, and other medical and health activities (TB center, MCH Mother and Child health Centre) INTERSOS has simultaneously worked on the rehabilitation and re-opening of primary schools in the middle Shabelle Region.

INTERSOS is currently operating in the Somali post-conflict reconstruction and recovery scenario through strategies and policies aimed at addressing the crucial and urgent needs existing in the three key sectors of health, education and water and sanitation. INTERSOS is currently supporting the hospital through a project funded by the Italian Cooperation: the projects includes also the construction of an OPD in Warsheik. It is directly involved in EPI campaigns carried out in co-operation with UNICEF, in the fight against TB in the framework of a Global Fund project and against malaria by functioning as a WHO sentinel in Middle Shabelle Region. INTERSOS is implementing two W&S projects in the Middle Shabelle Region and in Bay Region (OCHA); support to the primary education system in the rural area, Bay Region (UNICEF). Further, a vocational training centre in Jowhar (for female and male students) has also been opened with INTERSOS’ assistance.

Since February 2006, a HIV/AIDS Voluntary Testing and Counseling (VCT) has been functioning in the Hospital compound. The VCT, which is supported by UNICEF, is one of the few VCTs existing in Central and Southern Somalia and represents a landmark in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Middle Shabelle and neighbouring Regions. The establishment of the VCT has initiated a first phase of awareness campaign (March-May 2006) ongoing in Jowhar Town and surrounding villages and also involving MCH and TB Centres.

The continuity of humanitarian interventions carried out by INTERSOS in Somalia since 1993 has been possible thanks to the trust and financial support gained from all international donors – e.g. EC, ECHO, FAO, Italian Cooperation, UNESCO and UNICEF – with which INTERSOS cooperates and shares strategies and policies. Since June 2005 INTERSOS has played a key role in the current political situation in Somalia due to its long presence in the same area, Jowhar, where the relocation of the TFG took place and where INTERSOS had already gained respect and cooperation from Middle Shabelle Authority. Demonstrating its independent and impartial nature, INTERSOS has established fruitful relationships with both national and local authorities and has contributed to show how peace and negotiation represent the only solution of the current political crisis. Evidence of INTERSOS’ attitude was provided at the end of September 2005 by the visit paid by its Secretary General, Nino Sergi, in Jowhar and Mogadishu, where he conveyed a message of peace and reconciliation based on INTERSOS’ humanitarian experience and values to the leaders of the two rival political blocs.

Ongoing projects in Somalia include:

1. Health Project, funded by Cooperazione Italiana. Intervento sanitario urgente per le popolazione della regione del medio scebeli
2. education project WFPO “ESFP Emergency School Feeding Programme- Bay
3. Health Project, funded by Global Fund. Strengthening TB control activities in somalia
4. Health Project, funded by Confervizi. “Somalia/intervento in favour delle popolazioni colpite dallo tsunami nella regione copstiera del medio scebeli”
5. Health Project, funded by BNC. Ospedale di Jowhar, Medio Scebeli- Somalia
6. Training Project, funded by EBITemp. Formazione professionale e sviluppo del lavoro
7. Health Project, funded by UNICEF. MCH/EPI Primary Health Care programme
8. Education Project, funded by UNICEF. Education in emergency b- drought response
9. Health Project, funded by Armellini. Supporto alla gestione e rafforzamento ospedale di Jowhar
10. Water and Sanitation Project, funded by OCHA. Emergency rehabilitation of water facilities in Bay region
11. Water and Sanitation Project, funded by OCHA. Emergency rehabilitation of water in support to Tsunami-affected communities in Middle Shabelle region
12. Health/Food Distribution Project, funded by WFP. Support to the TBC patients
13. Education funded by MEDIAFRIENDS “potenziamento del sistema educativo nel medio scebeli”