Constraints to maternal healthcare access among pastoral communities in the Darussalam area of Mudug region, Somalia “a qualitative study”
This qualitative research, conducted in Darussalam village in Somalia’s Mudug region (a transhumant settlement near the Somalia–Ethiopia border) between December 2022 and January 2023, explored barriers to maternal health services among settled pastoralist communities. Through 14 interviews and one focus group discussion with community members, clinic staff, and local administrators, the study identified multiple constraints undermining maternal and child healthcare: shortages of essential supplies, inadequate staff training, lack of facilities such as ambulances and blood supplies, and systemic inefficiencies in referral processes. The authors emphasize that prioritizing pastoralist health in national and aid strategies could significantly improve access to affordable, effective maternal healthcare in these marginalized areas