Djibouti's Health Minister Listens to Obock's Healthcare Concerns

Djibouti's Health Minister, Mouna Osman Aden, has begun a tour of the country's interior regions, focusing on listening to and addressing healthcare concerns. Her first stop was Obock, where she was welcomed by local authorities, including Prefect Moussa Aden Miganeh and Regional Council President Mohamed Houmed Ismael. The minister's visit aims to improve healthcare services and engage with local populations.

During her visit, Minister Mouna Osman Aden met with local residents, representatives of civil society, and healthcare professionals. They discussed challenges in accessing healthcare, medication availability, medical staff shortages, and equipment needs. The minister also heard concerns about specific areas, such as Adguéino and Dadato, which lack nearby healthcare facilities. She reassured attendees that her department is committed to addressing these concerns.

Minister Mouna Osman Aden revealed that a multidisciplinary technical mission had been dispatched to assess the region's healthcare needs. The evaluation identified corrective measures, including deploying a state-certified nurse and midwife to health posts. The minister also announced plans to improve medication supplies, with a new shipment arriving the previous Thursday. She emphasized the need for better coordination to ensure regular medication availability.

Local leaders welcomed the minister's consultation approach and pledged to support her efforts. The minister stressed the importance of collaboration between local authorities, communities, and healthcare professionals. She also acknowledged the dedication of medical staff, who provide care to refugees in the region. Following the meeting, the ministerial delegation visited Obock's Medical Hospital to assess patient care and facility conditions.

At the hospital, Minister Mouna Osman Aden evaluated the state of equipment, medication availability, and staff working conditions. She toured various departments, including maternity, emergency services, laboratory, and pharmacy. The minister also inspected ongoing renovation and modernization work, including the new emergency service. She took note of staff concerns and reaffirmed her commitment to improving healthcare services.

During her visit, Minister Mouna Osman Aden received a donation of medical and prevention materials from the GX Foundation. The donation includes rapid diagnostic tests, insecticide-treated bed nets, and anti-mosquito lamps. The minister expressed her gratitude for this support, which will benefit local populations, refugees, and host communities in the region.

Minister Mouna Osman Aden's visit aims to strengthen dialogue with local populations and healthcare professionals, identify priority needs, and accelerate efforts to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare. The visit demonstrates the Djiboutian government's commitment to improving healthcare services in the country's interior regions.

Key points

• The minister's visit focused on addressing healthcare concerns and improving services in Obock.
• A multidisciplinary technical mission was dispatched to assess the region's healthcare needs.
• The GX Foundation donated medical and prevention materials to support healthcare efforts in the region.