09/03/2026
As global ODA shrinks, health systems must increasingly explore innovative and sustainable financing solutions to maintain essential services, especially through bundled approaches that deliver greater benefits.
Through the Embassy of Switzerland in Nairobi (SDC)-funded PSPH Project, the Somaliland Family Health Association (SOFHA) has introduced the ๐๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ค๐ก๐๐ฒ๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ ๐, a bundled initiative designed to make maternal health services more affordable while strengthening financial sustainability.
Over the weekend, our Hargeisa team โ Ahmed ADEN, Dr Hamda Warsame, with support from our Health Financing Expert Ndiang'ui Githinji โ conducted an orientation and product sensitisation session for 17 female SOFHA staff members, including receptionists, nurses, midwives, and marketing personnel. The session equipped frontline staff with the knowledge to guide clients, clearly explain the benefits of the packages, and demonstrate how bundled services compare with conventional care.
This package supports expectant women across the continuum of care through three options: an ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ ๐, a ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ (๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ) ๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ ๐, and a ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ ๐ covering antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
To improve affordability, the packages include discounts ranging from $5 to $15 on individual services and a $25 discount on the comprehensive maternal package. Additionally, clients receive a membership card that unlocks further discounted services, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families.
Beyond improving affordability, the initiative represents a practical step toward alternative health financing, enabling health facilities to recover costs while expanding access to essential maternal services, which is at the heart of the PSPH Project.
This milestone is poised to increase the utilisation of maternal health services, reduce financial burden on families, improve maternal health outcomes, progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and contribute to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality among Somalis.
As development financing landscapes continue to shift, innovative models such as the Umulkhayr Maternal Care Package demonstrate how local health systems can adapt, balancing affordability, access, and sustainability.
DT Global | Swiss TPH | Somali Research and Development Institute
