The Somali Midwives Organization (SOMA) successfully organized a sports event with a critical purpose: to raise awareness about safe motherhood, encourage youth involvement in preventing maternal and neonatal deaths, and foster social integration, unity, and respect.
The event featured an interactive sports match between the Hiil Youth Academy and Shaam team. The game took place at the Eng. Yariisow Stadium, with participants displaying enthusiasm and energy. During the event, SOMA presented sports equipment to the coaches of both teams, aiming to support the youth in their sporting endeavors while promoting the organization’s core message.
In addition to the sports activity, the midwives of SOMA took the opportunity to educate the young people and participants about the urgent need for better maternal and neonatal care. They provided educational sessions and distributed concise messages focused on the prevention of maternal and child mortality. These messages highlighted the importance of proper prenatal care, skilled delivery, postnatal care, and the essential role of midwives in saving lives.
The event also emphasized the role of communities in supporting pregnant women and ensuring that mothers have access to the proper health care services. Through these activities, SOMA not only educated the youth but also promoted values of community solidarity, mutual respect, and collective responsibility for maternal and child health.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign by the Somali Midwives Organization to engage the community and raise awareness about maternal health. By incorporating sports into the advocacy efforts, SOMA successfully captured the attention of the youth and encouraged them to become active participants in improving maternal health outcomes in their communities.
