CORRECTION: UNICEF supports various medical centres in Wajid, Bakool region

UNICEF supports several health projects in Wajid district in Bakool region contrary to earlier reports the area lacked medical support and facilities, the UN body has said.

In an article dated January 29,2018, published by Goobjoog News, we indicated Wajid district has gone without access to medical services for the last four years owing to a security siege. A medical source who spoke to Goobjoog News for the article said the area depends on private and international organisations for medical support.

In a rejoinder, UNICEF Somalia has stated the following:

• UNICEF has an active Project with African Relief and Development (ARD) for 2 years in Wajid. They have 1 fixed, 2 mobiles OTPs (Outpatient Therapeutic Programs) and 1 SC (Stabilization Center) serving in the town. UNICEF Health and Nutrition team visit the area quarterly.  In addition to ARD we support other partners SAMA to cover the suburb of Wajid and GREDDO supported by SCI also provides nutrition services in the area.
• ARD received sufficient supplies for treatment of 500 SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) cases late last year 2017 from UNICEF. In early 2018 the partner informed us on worsening situation and we plan to visit them in Feb this year to agree on the steps forward.
• UNICEF Health program had a partnership with Wajid Health Committee- WHC (LNGO), to support the main MCH, CTC (Cholera Treatment Center) and the cold chain for Wajid district. This Project came to an end by 31 December 2017 and we know that there is no major shortage of in essential medicines in those centers. WAJID MCH and CTC was even visited frequently by UNICEF staffs and one time by donors ECHO.

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