The term “federalism” denovtes the mutual agreement among multiple political entities to establish a foundational framework for a union. This concept encompasses a sequence of independent agreements between different nations, enabling the sharing of federal institutions while preserving a measure of their individual autonomy (1). Somalia's adoption of federalism dates back to 2004, but the concrete execution of federalism within Somalia commenced in 2012 when Hassan Sheik and his Ministries established a regional state comprising significant regions, namely Galmudug, Hirshabeelle, Southwest, and Jubaland (2).

The enduring humanitarian crisis spanning over two decades in Somalia has inflicted substantial harm upon both developmental progress and public health. The endeavor to implement these federalist structures remains a complex issue, and the protracted civil war has taken a severe toll on the health of the Somali populace. Armed conflicts have ravaged healthcare infrastructure, resulting in limited access to vital health services. This dire situation has exposed an already vulnerable demographic to heightened disease prevalence and malnutrition (3).

This study strives to offer essential insights into how Somalia's healthcare system has been received and operated amidst the introduction of the federal governmental framework. It delves into the ongoing restructuring of the country's health system, offering a synthesis of the advancements, obstacles, and prospective strategies for addressing healthcare challenges. By scrutinizing the role of the new federal government in redefining healthcare administration, the research will underscore various encountered hurdles. Specifically, it will spotlight significant practical obstacles impeding Somalia's federal healthcare delivery, encompassing challenges in both provisioning and accessibility of healthcare services. These include the privatization and urban-centric focus of the existing healthcare system, which leaves rural populations devoid of affordable healthcare access. Furthermore, the decentralization of the federal health system and the absence of cohesive management hinder national authorities from effectively overseeing the private sector and partnering with non-governmental organizations to extend care to rural areas. These challenges, compounded by a lack of public comprehension regarding the health implications of federalism, are steering the nation toward a decentralized healthcare system.

Drawing on experiences and insights from other nations that have implemented federalism, the paper will highlight key considerations for managing health sector federalism.

In the 21st century, the weighty responsibility and contentious nature of healthcare as a government social policy are evident (3). In Somalia, about 846 healthcare facilities exist, with 7 reference hospitals, 27 district hospitals, 248 maternity and child health clinics, and 544 health posts (4). The MOH uses a centralized decision-making system and has linkages to the 18 administrative regions via regional medical officers (RMO), who report to the curative services department (Figure 1) (5). The Somali public healthcare system is organized into four levels, including Primary Health Units (PHUs) in rural areas, Health Centers (HCs) at the sub-district level, Referral Health Centers (RFCs) in districts, and Regional Hospitals (RHs) located in the regional capitals (Figure 2) (7). The healthcare system grapples with significant challenges in meeting the diverse health needs of its population. With an estimated population of 12.3 million, the country comprises a mix of urban, rural, nomadic, and internally displaced individuals (3). Life expectancy in Somalia remains relatively low, reflecting a substantial burden of diseases such as malaria, cholera, and malnutrition, compounded by the health impact of long-standing conflict. Trauma-related injuries and mental health issues also contribute to the complex healthcare landscape (8). Despite these challenges, the expectations of the population for accessible and high-quality healthcare services are substantial. Communities play an essential role in addressing health needs, often relying on traditional healers and community health workers due to the scarcity of formal healthcare facilities (9).

Healthcare financing in Somalia presents several complex issues. The country's healthcare landscape features a mix of private providers dominating the sector, and the government's expenditure on healthcare is limited. Consequently, a significant proportion of healthcare costs is covered through out-of-pocket payments by individuals. International comparisons reveal that per capita expenditure on healthcare in Somalia is notably low (10). To bridge funding gaps and enhance access to healthcare services, Somalia relies on donor aid and development projects, such as the “Damal Caafimaad Project” funded by the World Bank (11). However, the reliance on donor aid and out-of-pocket payments raises concerns about the sustainability and equity of the healthcare financing system.

The healthcare workforce in Somalia is unevenly distributed, with a heavy focus on urban areas, leaving rural and remote communities underserved. The protracted conflict has displaced over 2.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), and around 600 medical professionals have migrated, leading to urban-rural and public-private imbalances in the healthcare workforce (12). Critical shortages of qualified healthcare staff hinder Somalia's federal health services. Nurse, midwife, and doctor densities below 4 per 10,000 individuals (far from the required 23) point to a shortage of around 24,000 workers to meet minimum thresholds, particularly acute in remote areas (13).

United Nations' perspective envisions independent regional states in health service delivery, with federal states coordinating actors within regions (NGOs, UN agencies, and private providers). However, communication between tiers remains suboptimal, leading to activities endorsed by federal states without proper state-level communication (14). Service delivery in Somalia is characterized by an urban-centric approach, leading to disparities in access to healthcare services. The primary care system plays a crucial role in delivering essential healthcare services, but its reach remains limited in many parts of the country. Public health services face challenges in reaching underserved populations, including internally displaced individuals (15).

The governance of Somalia's healthcare system is complex, involving multiple layers of government and stakeholders. The Federal Ministry of Health and Human Resources (FMoH) is responsible for quality control, policy formulation, human resource development, and coordination. However, capacity constraints and the unclear federal system have hindered FMoH's nationwide jurisdiction. Coordination and communication between different tiers of government and stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, and private providers, have been suboptimal, leading to challenges in the implementation of health policies and programs (16). The establishment of the National Health Professions Commission (NHPC) by the Federal Ministry of Health exemplifies the federal government's pivotal role in regulatory matters, particularly in safeguarding against medical malpractice and promoting ethical conduct within the healthcare sector (17, 18).

Federalism in Somalia has profound implications for the governance and delivery of healthcare services, which are essential for the wellbeing of the population. The country operates as a federal state, composed of various regions and states, each wielding varying degrees of autonomy over healthcare management and decision-making. This decentralization of power carries several implications and challenges for the healthcare system (19).

One critical consequence of federal system is the fragmentation of healthcare services. With each region and state having the authority to formulate its healthcare policies and regulations, uniformity and standardization of healthcare practices across the nation become elusive. Consequently, patients may experience disparities in the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, depending on their geographic location. These regional discrepancies can erode public trust and hinder equitable access to quality healthcare services, which is critical for a healthy and prosperous society (11).

Resource allocation disparities also emerge as a significant concern within the framework of federalism. Regions with more abundant resources and robust governance structures may have the capacity to develop better healthcare infrastructure and services. In contrast, less-developed regions may face formidable challenges in delivering even the most fundamental healthcare services to their populations. This inequality in resource allocation underscores the pressing need for a coordinated and equitable approach to healthcare financing to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their geographic location, have access to essential healthcare services (20).

Coordination challenges arise from the complex interplay between the federal government and regional authorities in healthcare management. Competing interests, disputes over authority, resource allocation, and policy direction can hamper cooperation and undermine the overall delivery of healthcare services. Ensuring that all regions work cohesively within a shared healthcare framework is critical for the effective functioning of the healthcare system (21).

Furthermore, regional disparities in healthcare policies and regulations can lead to inconsistencies in the healthcare system. Divergent policies can result in a lack of a coherent national healthcare strategy, impeding the implementation of comprehensive and well-integrated healthcare systems at the national level. In light of this, the establishment of unified national healthcare policies that encompass the unique needs and circumstances of each region becomes an imperative (22).

Federalism also brings challenges in resource mobilization and funding for the healthcare system. The federal government may encounter difficulties in mobilizing resources and securing funding, particularly given that regional governments may have their revenue sources and differing priorities. Hence, a coordinated approach to healthcare financing that bridges regional and federal initiatives is necessary to provide a reliable source of funding for healthcare services (13).

The capacity of regional healthcare authorities and the effectiveness of governance structures at both the federal and regional levels are pivotal for a functional healthcare system. To address this, investment in capacity building and training programs for healthcare professionals and administrators at both federal and regional levels is needed to enhance the quality of healthcare services. Furthermore, strengthening regulatory oversight is imperative to ensure that healthcare services meet quality and safety standards across regions, regardless of their autonomy level (23).

The enhancement of public health infrastructure is paramount, as it not only amplifies accessibility but also augments the efficiency and caliber of services. Federalism continues to offer promising avenues for Somalia's health system advancement. The proximity of local governance to the populace underlines federalism's potential to bolster health resources, funding, and services for the people. While foreign entities, donors, and the United Nations system have extended substantial aid to primary care facilities across Somalia, these efforts have proven inadequate, necessitating further assistance, including the establishment of new facilities and the restoration and expansion of existing ones, encompassing vital components like blood banks and laboratory amenities. Mapping capacity development and formulating policies to align with structural and functional changes, including institutional arrangements, becomes imperative. Consequently, the federal government's urgent task involves the training of fresh cohorts of healthcare personnel (18, 36). The harmonization of educational and curriculum approaches across public health training institutions is equally pressing to elevate training quality and produce adept medical professionals equipped with essential knowledge and skills.

To ensure the effectiveness of newly constructed healthcare infrastructure, conducting a comprehensive situational analysis is vital. This analysis helps assess healthcare needs and requirements, ultimately preventing issues like underutilization or overcrowding of healthcare services. The assessment should take into account medical necessities and local concerns, serving as the foundation for the development of short, mid-term, and long-term strategic plans aimed at revitalizing the nation's healthcare system (32, 37).

Accommodating the unique requirements of Somalia necessitates specialized implementation strategies, encompassing uniform health records and resilient, effective medicine delivery systems, alongside infrastructure expansion to meet the nation's health exigencies (37).

In post-conflict Somalia, the pivotal engagement of the local business community is essential, even though their contributions often come in sporadic and fragmented forms. To address issues of fragmented healthcare systems and promote a more effective approach to healthcare service delivery, the government must establish early-stage coordination mechanisms during the recovery phase. Furthermore, the ongoing capacity-building process should focus on various levels, including contextual, systemic, organizational, and individual elements, with the support of operational tools designed to reinforce the development of crucial leadership skills. This comprehensive approach not only prevents uncontrolled healthcare service growth but also enhances the necessary managerial capabilities within local communities and public sector entities, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient healthcare system (32, 37).

The expansion of healthcare services or the inception of new projects necessitates close synergy between the private and public sectors, an imperative that was exacerbated during periods of conflict. Streamlined, practical, and concise collaborative strategies tailored to address the nation's healthcare needs offer a superior alternative, as they are less reliant on donors, economically sustainable, and adaptable when donor agencies phase out or reduce funding (32, 37).

Federalism presents a provides a platform for necessary work and reforms for the nation to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), contingent upon various critical factors such as legislative backing, robust funding mechanisms, quality standards, capacity enhancement, and effective governance structures. The study's insights accentuate the importance of regulatory frameworks for equitable and affordable private healthcare services, a pressing need in Somalia. Additionally, the emphasis on patient-provider interactions within the private healthcare sector underscores the significance of patient care improvements. To ensure a well-rounded approach, it is imperative to consider the interplay between federalism and decentralization in shaping the regulatory environment, promoting patient-centered care, and enhancing medical education curricula. By harnessing the strengths of federalism while incorporating the benefits of decentralization, Somalia's healthcare system can progress toward greater inclusivity, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced healthcare professionalism.

AS (MD, Ph.D.) is an ENT doctor head and neck surgery and a public health expert specializing in health systems. Their PhD thesis focused on the health systems in Somalia at RUDN University. During time in Somalia, they served in major hospitals and published research papers on the Health System in Somalia and were one of the board Staff Health Institutions in Somalia. Their expertise in health systems has allowed them to provide medical care to those in need in Somalia and to understand the complexities of health system reform in a developing country. They are committed to improving health systems in developing countries and to continuing research on health systems in Somalia. DK is an honored Professor of RUDN University, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical and Technical Sciences, Deputy Chairman of the RAMS Problem Commission on Public Health, member of the Expert Council of the Higher Attestation Commission of the Russian Federation on Medical and Preventive Sciences, member of the RUDN University Certification Commission for the Award of Scientists degrees, member of the editorial boards of journals, advisor to the chief physician of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in Moscow, chairman of the educational committee of the FNMO MI RUDN University and expert in the health systems of low income countries. In 1987–1989 they were an adviser to the World Health Organization on methodology for training medical personnel in the WHO Pacific Region-Manila, Philippines (1987–1989).

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

All authors listed have made a substantial, direct, and intellectual contribution to the work and approved it for publication.