Boosting Health Insurance in Somalia: The first Mogadishu Health Insurance Forum
Somalia's First Health Insurance Forum Paves the Way for Improved Healthcare Access. The inaugural Mogadishu Health Insurance Forum, facilitated by SDC’s Private Sector Partnerships in Health (PSPH), brought together key stakeholders to discuss expanding health insurance access in Somalia. With low penetration rates, the forum aimed to break down barriers and encourage collaboration between insurers, financiers, and healthcare providers. The event established a platform for future engagement and paves the way for a thriving private health insurance sector in Somalia.
A Landmark Event Fosters Collaboration for Improved Healthcare Access
Somalia took a significant step towards improving healthcare access for its citizens with the inaugural Mogadishu Health Insurance Forum, held on April 30th, 2024. This event, facilitated by the SDC-funded Private Sector Partnerships in Health (PSPH) programme, brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in expanding health insurance penetration and awareness.
Building on Momentum
Earlier in 2024, PSPH played a crucial role in launching Somalia's first-ever mass-market health insurance products with Baraka Takaful Insurance (Mogadishu) and Wadaag Insurance (Hargeisa). This marked a major breakthrough, as previously only expensive options catered to international NGOs and large employers. With minimal health insurance penetration (under 2%), a vast untapped market exists (70-80% of the economically active population).
Breaking Down Barriers
Low awareness and limited capacity hampered insurers' engagement with the mass market. Recognizing this, PSPH championed a sector-wide approach. The Forum gathered representatives from insurance companies, financial institutions, health providers, government officials, and religious leaders. This diverse group aimed to foster collaboration, address concerns, and dismantle barriers hindering financial institutions' support for mass-market products. Ultimately, this will stimulate market growth and position health insurance as a viable business opportunity.
A Call to Action: Addressing Knowledge Gaps
The low penetration rate necessitated an unconventional approach to attract stakeholders invested in the population's health and financial security. Improved knowledge and locally relevant insights on mass-market health insurance can alleviate the hesitation of insurers, financiers, and other financial actors. Increased awareness will also encourage broader support from stakeholders as the market demands Takaful compliance (Islamic insurance principles).
Government Support for a Thriving Market
With a government actively promoting improved healthcare access, a well-positioned private health insurance sector can flourish. The Forum served as a platform to showcase opportunities within the emerging market.
A Day of Collaboration and Progress
The Forum, attended by 95 stakeholders, reflected the importance of expanding health insurance access. Dr. Abdi Dalmar, President of SORDI (PSPH implementing partner), welcomed participants and highlighted PSPH's role in supporting mass-market health insurance. Renowned health insurance experts Joseph Githinji and Siddharth Srivastava from Swiss TPH (PSPH partner) explored the human development and business potential of mass-market health insurance. Mr. JP Otieno from Maisha Poa shared successful case studies from Kenya.
Somalia's Pioneering Product Takes Center Stage
Dr. Shukri, Baraka Takaful Insurance's Health Director, presented Kaaliye Care, Somalia's first mass-market health insurance product, emphasizing PSPH's instrumental role in its development. Sheikh Abdixayi, a religious scholar, addressed the compatibility of insurance with Islamic principles, concluding with a powerful quote:
O Allah, insure us and let us insure ourselves
A Platform for Discussion and Future Action
An expert panel, featuring Dr. Dalmar, Mr. Yasin Ibar (CEO, Somali Bankers' Association), Dr. Abdirahman Awale (Director, PPD unit, Federal Ministry of Health), Mr. Zakaria (Director, Baraka Takaful Insurance), and Dr. Suleyman (Director, KalKaal Hospital), discussed challenges, opportunities, affordability, accessibility, and the role of the private sector and financial institutions in promoting health insurance.
Senator Dufle from the Upper House of Somalia concluded the event by expressing gratitude to PSPH and underlining the importance of health insurance for the nation's future.
Looking Forward: Building a Sustainable Future
The Forum established a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, with stakeholders eager to continue the conversation. Notably, specific interest emerged among both Government and private sector partners who are exploring programme support to reach the underserved mass market. PSPH and its partners remain dedicated to driving positive change and fostering sustainable solutions for universal healthcare access in Somalia. They will continue working with the private sector and the Government as the market progresses, providing updates as more people gain access to health insurance.
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