Advancing Health Insurance in Somaliland: The Hargeisa Health Insurance Forum
Pioneering Affordable Health Insurance - Key Takeaways from Somaliland's Landmark Forum
On July 24, 2024, the Somaliland Health Insurance Forum took place in Hargeisa, marking a significant step forward for the country’s emerging health insurance sector. Hosted by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)’s Private Sector Partnerships in Health (PSPH) programme, the event gathered 115 key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Insurance Authority (NIA), local insurance companies, financial institutions, health service providers, INGOs, and community leaders. The forum focused on developing and expanding Somaliland's emerging health insurance market to enhance financial protection for families in a landscape where social health insurance is absent and 98% of the population remains uninsured.
Key Insights from the Forum
The forum provided a platform for discussing the latest trends, policy changes, and challenges in Somaliland's health insurance sector. Keynote speakers and expert panellists offered valuable insights into the development of affordable insurance products and the use of technology to improve accessibility.
Despite being in its infancy, Somaliland's health insurance market is seeing significant developments. Companies like Wadaag Insurance are pioneering affordable products for the mass market, having introduced the first low-cost products to the market earlier in 2024, though overall uptake remains low. Continuous market development is necessary to ensure wider participation and sustainability.
The Importance of Strategic Partnerships
Partnerships emerged as a critical theme during the forum. Collaborations between insurers, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and policymakers were identified as essential for addressing gaps in the market and building a more comprehensive health insurance system. The discussions emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to create a robust insurance sector that can serve the needs of Somaliland's population.
Raising Awareness and Stimulating Demand
A significant part of the dialogue centred on strategies to raise awareness and stimulate demand for health insurance among the population. Public education campaigns were highlighted as crucial for building trust and informing citizens about the benefits of health insurance, compliance with cultural and religious norms, and guiding them on how to enrol. These efforts are expected to play a key role in increasing participation and making health insurance more accessible to a broader audience.
Speaker Highlights
- Abdirahman Muse, Director of NIA: «The government's role in fostering an enabling environment for the growth of the insurance sector is crucial. We are committed to developing regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, consumer protection, and industry standards.»
- Joseph Githinji, Health Insurance Expert, Swiss TPH: «Affordable health insurance is not only a vital tool for improving public health outcomes but also a lucrative business opportunity. It can drive economic growth by reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on families.»
- Sulaiman Egeh, CEO of Wadaag Insurance: «Every 1000 miles starts with the first step. Despite the challenges, we are committed to pioneering health insurance for the mass market. Spreading awareness and increasing participation are crucial for reducing costs and making health insurance accessible to more people.»
Next Steps and Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, the NIA plans to sponsor a follow-up forum to continue these important discussions. PSPH will provide ongoing technical assistance and capacity-building support to local insurance companies like Wadaag as well as other industry stakeholders. These efforts aim to further strengthen the health insurance market in Somaliland, ensuring that accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare becomes a reality for all.
About PSPH and Its Partners
DT Global East Africa, in partnership with the Somali Research and Development Institute (SORDI) and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), implements the PSPH initiative. Together, they are dedicated to advancing health insurance in Somaliland, improving healthcare access for the population, and progressing toward to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
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