Somali Maternal and Fistula Care Organization (SOMAFCO) is a local non-governmental, non-profit organization established in mid-2023 to improve maternal health and address obstetric fistula in Somalia.
Obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth injury caused mainly by prolonged obstructed labor without access to quality obstetric care. Women affected often suffer continuous leakage of urine or feces, leading to stigma, isolation, and family breakdown. Surgery is the primary treatment, with success rates of up to 90% when performed by qualified professionals.
Years of conflict, drought, floods, and weak health systems have contributed to some of the world’s worst maternal and child health outcomes in Somalia. Maternal mortality remains high (692 per 100,000 live births), and under-five mortality is 123 per 1,000 live births. Rural communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the urban poor are most affected due to limited access to skilled health services.
SOMAFCO works to strengthen access to essential reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, prevent fistula, and restore dignity and health to affected women and girls.