Fadumo Orey is a woman on a life-saving mission, raising awareness one day at a time. She is a health mobilizer in Diinsoor District, in Somalia’s Bay Region.

In a district affected by drought, displacement, and limited access to health services, her work has become a critical part of daily life. Employed by a non-governmental organization, New Ways Organization, Fadumo, is part of a project funded by the OCHA-managed Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF).

She plays a key role in raising awareness and helping families access essential care.

“Awareness is the first step of the journey to healing,” said Fadumo.

There is a good reason for this.

Many communities in Diinsoor live far from health facilities, and preventable illnesses such as pneumonia, malaria, diarrhoea and malnutrition remain common, especially among children and pregnant women. Limited awareness of early warning signs often means families delay seeking care, increasing related risks.  

SHF’s project implemented by New Ways Organization, employs eight mobilizers, who work in Diinsoor, Bay region. The health project aims to have reached 7,500 households by August of 2026.