In Somaliland, 87% of the females between the ages of 5 and 49 years old have undergone female genital mutilation. The country is one of the five global countries with the highest mortality rate of pregnant women and mothers. In 2015, the level of mortality was 732 mothers per 100’000 live births, around one in 140 mothers does not survive (Switzerland 5/100’000). In 2012, 73 per 1’000 infants died in their first year (Switzerland 3.7/1’000).

Even within the context of African medical systems, Somaliland is well below average in comparison in terms of training and equipment. A particular issue is the lack of qualified doctors and midwives. This means that approximately 80% of deliveries are without trained medical personnel.