Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, and Somalia is no exception. This update examines the current status of AMR in Somalia, highlighting the prevalent patterns of resistance, contributing factors, and significant health impacts. Despite limited surveillance data, evidence suggests rising resistance to key antibiotics, exacerbated by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, overuse of antimicrobials, and lack of regulatory oversight. The review identifies key challenges, including insufficient diagnostic capabilities, poor infection control practices, and a need for robust stewardship programs. Opportunities for addressing AMR in Somalia are discussed, including strengthening surveillance systems, improving healthcare access, and fostering international collaboration. Future perspectives emphasize the importance of integrating AMR strategies into broader health policies, enhancing public awareness, and investing in research to develop new treatments and prevention methods. Addressing these issues is crucial for mitigating the impact of AMR and improving health outcomes in Somalia.

Health Information Systems (HIS) are vital for the collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination of health data to support effective decision-making and

Background: Breast cancer is a leading contributor to cancer-related illness and death among women worldwide. In Somalia, limited access to healthcare exacerbates the challenges faced by patients, making health-related quality of life (HRQoL) a vital concern. Objective: To assess health related quality of life among women with breast cancer in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2024 involving 200 breast cancer patients. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life instruments (EORTC QLQ-C30 and the breast cancer-specific module EORTC QLQ-BR23). These tools were used to assess multiple domains of health-related quality of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Pearson’s correlation examined relationships between HRQoL domains and socio-demographic or clinical variables. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of HRQoL, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: In multivariable linear regression, advanced stage at diagnosis was associated with lower physical (β = – 0.109, 95% CI: – 0.202 to – 0.016, p = 0.021) and emotional HRQoL (β = – 1.192, 95% CI: – 1.330 to – 0.954, p = 0.007), and with higher financial burden (β = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.061 to 1.760, p = 0.021). Greater extent of surgery predicted lower physical HRQoL (β = – 0.469, 95% CI: – 0.587 to – 0.351, p < 0.001). Adequate social support was positively associated with conjugal well-being (β = 0.334, 95% CI: 0.020 to 0.649, p = 0.037), and stage at diagnosis was also positively linked with conjugal HRQoL (β = 0.343, 95% CI: 0.039 to 0.647, p = 0.027). Conclusion: Although emotional and social HRQoL were relatively preserved, physical, financial, and conjugal domains were more negatively affected especially among women with advanced cancer, extensive surgery, or longer time since diagnosis. These findings emphasize the urgent need for improved cancer care access and integrated psychosocial support in Somalia.

Purpose: Antenatal care (ANC) is a cornerstone of maternal and neonatal health, yet its utilization remains suboptimal in Somalia, contributing to high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the predictors of ANC utilization is essential for designing effective interventions. This systematic review aimed to identify predictors of antenatal care service utilization among women of reproductive age in Somalia. Materials and methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and African Journals Online was conducted for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Quantitative studies reporting predictors of ANC utilization using multivariable analysis were included. Study selection and reporting followed PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using standardized appraisal tools. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251244002). Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. ANC utilization in Somalia was influenced by a combination of sociodemographic, obstetric, knowledge-related, and health system factors. Consistently reported predictors included maternal education, place of residence, household wealth index, marital status, pregnancy intention, maternal age, and exposure to mass media. Early gestational age at first visit, gravida status, knowledge of ANC, distance to health facilities, accessibility of services, and perceived health worker attitudes were also significant predictors. Conclusion: Antenatal care utilization in Somalia is shaped by complex and interrelated individual, socioeconomic, and health system factors. Targeted interventions focusing on female education, community awareness, early ANC initiation, and improved access to quality maternal health services are critical to increasing ANC utilization and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd , PROSPERO registration number, CRD420251244002.

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy is a global barrier to childhood immunization and a significant challenge in fragile health systems like Somalia, making it crucial to identify associated factors for effective interventions. Objectives: To identify factors associated with VH among mothers of children under 2 years in Mogadishu Methods: A cross-sectional study of 548 mothers in Mogadishu, Somalia Results: VH prevalence was 37.4% (n = 205). Mothers without formal education (AOR = 4.31, 95% CI: 2.012-9.109) and fathers without education (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.514-5.311) were more to report VH. Longer waiting times were associated: 15 to 30 minutes (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.229-0.699), 31 to 60 minutes (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.138-0.465), and >60 minutes (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.230-0.854), compared to <15 minutes. Conclusion: VH is common in Mogadishu and is linked to parental education and service-related factors

Immunization is a critical and cost-effective public health intervention, yet Somalia continues to face low coverage and high child mortality. This study assessed maternal satisfaction with childhood immunization services and its associated factors in Mogadishu, Somalia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2024 among 400 mothers or caregivers whose children received immunization. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographics, access, process-related experiences, and satisfaction, and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with maternal satisfaction. Overall, 49.3% of mothers were satisfied with the immunization services. In the multivariable logistic regression, several factors were significantly associated with maternal satisfaction. Mothers residing outside Mogadishu had higher odds of satisfaction compared to those residing within the city (AOR = 5.677; 95% CI: 2.057-15.707). Male children were associated with higher odds of maternal satisfaction compared to females (AOR = 1.690; 95% CI: 1.057-2.701). Children of second or third birth order had lower odds of maternal satisfaction than first-borns (AOR = 0.383; 95% CI: 0.209-0.700). Mothers with primary education (AOR = 0.293; 95% CI: 0.171-0.503) and high school education (AOR = 0.217; 95% CI: 0.078-0.602) had lower odds of satisfaction compared to those with no formal education. Finally, mothers who were self-employed had higher odds of satisfaction compared to housewives (AOR = 5.678; 95% CI: 2.310-13.954). The findings underscore the need to strengthen caregiver education, address service disparities, and enhance communication for improved immunization outcomes.