An innovative and unique partnership: WHO, Sweden and Somalia work together to improve health outcomes for all Somalis An innovative and unique partnership: WHO, Sweden and Somalia work together to improve health outcomes for all Somalis 1 February 2021 Swedish Ambassador, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO joint UHC High-Level mission to Hargeisa and Garowe. Nearly 30 years of conflict and instability have heavily marked Somalia’s recent history. Some gains are being made, but the country still faces many challenges ahead. Somalia’s health indicators, especially for women and children rank among the lowest in the world. Recently published statistics show that maternal mortality and deaths of children under five remain high, while female genital mutilation is still widespread. Prevalence of early marriage also contributes to high fertility rates. These issues are further exacerbated by cramped conditions in the country’s over 2 000 sites for internally displaced persons.