In South-Central Somalia, where conflict, displacement, and recurring natural disasters have for long deepened humanitarian needs, health systems have long struggled under the weight of outdated, paper-based processes. In a context where any delay results in loss of lives, the lack of reliable data and real-time visibility into health services and suboptimal supply chain performance has compromised operational efficiency, decision-making accuracy, and ultimately, the overall quality of healthcare. But this is set to change.
With funding from EU Humanitarian Aid, the CaafimaadPlus consortium in Somalia is pioneering a digital transformation that promises to reshape how lifesaving services mainly health and nutrition are delivered to some of the most underserved communities in Somalia. The introduction of the CaafimaadPlus Data Digitalization System (C+ DDS), alongside the roll-out of the Pharmaceutical Information Management System (PIMS), marks a critical shift from fragmented systems to integrated, responsive, and evidence-driven health programming and implementation.
C+ DDS, developed in partnership with Ogow Health, - an award-winning digital health solutions provider, will address long-standing issues such as poor data quality, limited patient follow-up, and inefficient reporting. Through a multi-phase approach that began in December 2023, the development of this system has moved from needs assessment and pilot testing to training and phased rollout across health facilities. Already, the system is live in 43 facilities supported by CaafimaadPlus across 23 districts in south-central Somalia. The C+ DDS system is currently feeding real-time data into a central dashboard that will support decision making at facility, district, and consortium level.
But digitalization doesn’t stop at patient records. At the core of ensuring quality care is the availability and rational use of essential medicines—a challenge that has historically plagued humanitarian response in Somalia. This is where the Pharmaceutical Information Management System (PIMS), developed by International Medical Corps, a member of the CaafimaadPlus consortium becomes critical. PIMS tracks pharmaceuticals from central warehouses all the way to the point of care, with the option of using handheld devices that function even in remote areas. It offers real-time stock monitoring, accurate forecasting based on disease trends and consumption, and safeguards to prevent diversion or misuse of medicines.
The PIMS goes even a step further by offering treatment protocol recommendations for both clinicians and pharmacists, based on the diagnosis entered or medicines dispensed. This feature supports adherence to national clinical guidelines, promotes consistency in care, and helps ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatments. It also enhances the cost effectiveness by reducing the overuse and misuse unnecessary medicines, minimizing the waste of scarce healthcare resources, and helping to prevent the over prescription of antibiotics- a major driver of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Together, these systems create a powerful synergy. While C+ DDS tracks who is being treated and what services are being provided, PIMS ensures that the necessary medicines and supplies are available to meet that demand. The interoperability between the two systems enables efficient planning, reduces waste, and enhances accountability. For the first time, health facilities can align service delivery data with consumption patterns, creating a full picture that allows for smarter decision-making and resource use.
Features like SMS and voice reminders for immunizations and antenatal care visits, have been added into the CaafimaadPlus Data Digitalization System (C+ DDS), With widespread mobile phone usage, even in rural areas, this functionality could dramatically improve appointment adherence and strengthen preventive care efforts. These innovations are more than technical upgrades—they are a response to the urgent need for real time data and systems that work.
The success of the pilot and roll out phase shows that digital health is not just possible in Somalia—it is essential. However, to realize its full potential and implement it at scale, sustained support from donors and partners is critical. The groundwork is laid, the tools are in place, and the momentum is real. What’s needed now is continued commitment to scale a truly game-changing approach—one that has already begun to redefine what is possible for health care in humanitarian settings.
In partnership with the Ministry of Health, CaafimaadPlus is enhancing health service delivery for the most impacted families. This initiative is fully aligned with the leadership and ownership of the Ministry of Health, which is driving the effort of digitalization to ensure its sustainability and integration within the national health system.
About CaafimaadPlus
CaafimaadPlus is a consortium of five international and three local humanitarian organizations dedicated to providing emergency life-saving interventions to populations affected by drought, floods and conflict in Somalia’s hard-to-reach areas. The consortium comprises of Action Against Hunger, Concern Worldwide, Trocaire, International Medical Corps, and SOS Children’s Villages, Juba Foundation, Lifeline Gedo, and Shabelle Community Development Organization (SHACDO). The consortium is funded by EU Humanitarian Aid and The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)