​Somalia: Germany launches $31M worth health projects in Puntland

GAROWE, Puntland - Germany has launched two major new health projects at the health Ministry HQ in Somalia's northeastern semi-autonomous region of Puntland on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland Vice President, Abdihakim Abdullahi Omar Amey, and the deputy German Ambassador to Somalia Markus Bollmohr have jointly launched the projects at a well-organized ceremony in Garowe.

The projects worth a total of $31.3 million is aimed at strengthening the overall health systems in Puntland between 2017-2019, and Promoting maternal and child health and improved nutrition.

The Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will implement the three-year health projects in Puntland, which are jointly funded by KfW and GIZ - German development bank and agency respectively.

Two million people in Puntland are due to benefit from improved health services with generous support from the development cooperation of the German government through KfW Development Bank.

Bollmohr said Germany is committed to support Somalia in recovering from the decades-long conflict that ravaged the country's economic infrastructure and the health sector, effecting mother and child.

During flagship event in the state capital, Garowe, members of Nugal regional elders highlighted at the importance of the project and thanked Germany for these programs to enhance health care system.

Puntland's Minister of Health, Abdinasir Osman Abdirahman Cuke, said German government also is executing various development projects in Puntland, including construction of Garowe-Galkayo road.

Cuke added that the Ministry of Health made remarkable efforts to bring this projects into the region as it is part of the funds used to support Somalia.

Puntland Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Hajji Omar Amey has expressed grateful to the German Government and KfW for the support, and hoped for the implementation of the projects as quickly as possible.

GAROWEONLINE