Revising the essential package of health services through stakeholder alignment, Somalia

The fragmented health sector in Somalia, burdened by financial challenges and an inadequate regulatory system, struggles to provide equitable essential health services to the entire population.

To revise an essential package of health services that stakeholders could support and that aligned with stakeholders' financial and technical resources, the federal health ministry invited all key stakeholders in 2020 to participate in the revision process of the essential package. The ministry distributed a concept note to invited stakeholders, describing the scope and purpose of the revision process of the essential package. The note also contained a timeline and the expected contribution of each stakeholder. Stakeholders nominated representatives based on their technical expertise and knowledge of the health sector in Somalia.

The health sector in Somalia involves multiple stakeholders, including the health ministry and many development partners. The private sector plays a substantial role in health-care provision. Public spending is an estimated 17% of the total health expenditure.

After an 18-month revision process, the health ministry and development partners agreed to prioritize high-impact, cost-effective services and use a progressive realization of the package to improve access and coverage. The implementation strategy considers the health system and operational capacity of service providers, particularly in security-compromised areas.

The approach showed that inclusivity, collaboration and transparency were of importance for a successful revision of the package. These achievements in consensus-building and priority alignment advance the government's pursuit of equitable and comprehensive health care for all.