Halimo’s Journey to Health and Hope: How Baxnaano Transformed a Mother’s Life
Garasbaaley District, Mogadishu — Health and Nutrition (Wasiila Caafimaad)
For years, Halimo Abannor Hassan’s life in Garasbaaley was a daily act of endurance and love. Her days began before sunrise, filled with chores, caring for her five children, and finding ways to stretch every shilling. Her husband worked as a casual laborer in a nearby quarry, breaking stones for construction. On good days, he earned about one U.S. dollar — barely enough to cover food or rent. On bad days, there was no work at all.
To help keep her family afloat, Halimo washed clothes for neighbors, earning small amounts whenever she could. “Even though we face many challenges, we work together as a family to give our children a better future,” she said, her voice steady but hopeful.
But behind that strength was constant worry. Meals were often skipped, and she feared for her children’s health. “Sometimes we would eat only once a day,” she recalled. “I used to take my child to the clinic only when he was seriously sick because I didn’t know the importance of regular visits.”
Halimo’s story mirrors that of many Somali mothers — hardworking, devoted, and determined, yet hindered by poverty and limited access to healthcare.
A New Beginning through Wasiila Caafimaad
Everything began to change when Halimo learned about Wasiila Caafimaad, the Health and Nutrition component of the Baxnaano Program.
Implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, and supported by the World Bank, the program aims to improve child health and nutrition outcomes while empowering mothers through knowledge, awareness, and access to care.
At first, Halimo was skeptical. She had received text messages about the program but ignored them, unsure if they were real. It wasn’t until her neighbors told her that eligible families were being registered that she decided to attend an information session. “That’s when I realized it was real,” she said with a smile.
What she discovered was far beyond what she expected. Wasiila Caafimaad wasn’t just financial support — it was a chance to learn, grow, and care for her family in new ways.
Learning to Care, Learning to Thrive
At the heart of Wasiila Caafimaad are the quarterly awareness sessions held at local health facilities like Forilow Health Centre in Garasbaaley. Led by nurses and community health workers, these sessions cover vital topics — from the importance of exclusive breastfeeding to hygiene practices, vaccination schedules, and balanced nutrition for children.
Halimo began attending regularly, even if it meant walking twenty minutes under the scorching sun with her youngest child, one-year-and-five-month-old Abdinasir Abas Cumar, wrapped carefully on her back. “Even when it’s tiring, I don’t miss any session,” she said proudly. “I learn something new each time.”
Through the sessions, she learned that breastfeeding should continue for much longer than she thought, that clean water and handwashing could prevent disease, and that regular check-ups help detect health problems early. “I used to think breastfeeding was only for the first few months,” she admitted. “Now I know it should continue longer — and I’ve seen how much stronger my baby has become.”
Support that Makes a Difference
In addition to the health education and free services, participating mothers like Halimo receive a $30 transport support every three months. The allowance helps families reach clinics for appointments and cover small daily needs like food and hygiene supplies.
Halimo uses the money wisely. “It may seem small, but it makes a big difference,” she said. “I buy rice, flour, sugar, milk, and cooking oil. It helps us eat better and focus on keeping our children healthy.”
The financial support, while modest, eases the immediate burden of poverty — allowing families to prioritize health without sacrificing meals or essentials. For Halimo, it also means fewer sleepless nights worrying about emergencies.
“I feel relieved knowing I can take my child to the clinic even if I don’t have money that day,” she said.
Visible Change, Real Impact
Since joining Wasiila Caafimaad, Halimo has seen remarkable improvements in her youngest child’s health. Abdinasir now eats well, rarely falls sick, and his weight has steadily improved. The nurses at Forilow Health Centre monitor his growth closely, record his vaccination progress, and remind her of upcoming appointments.
“They treat us kindly and always encourage me,” she said. “I feel respected and supported.”
Her husband, once unsure of what the program was about, now praises its impact. “He always tells me how much Baxnaano has helped our family,” Halimo shared. “Now he even encourages other mothers to register.”
Empowered Mothers, Healthier Communities
As Halimo’s knowledge grew, so did her confidence. She began sharing what she learned with other women in her neighborhood — teaching friends and relatives about child nutrition, handwashing, and the importance of vaccinations.
“In our area, people listen when they see results,” she said. “When they saw how healthy my son became, they wanted to know what I was doing differently.”
Her quiet leadership has turned her into a small but powerful source of change within her community. By spreading awareness, she’s helping other mothers make informed decisions — exactly what Wasiila Caafimaad was designed to achieve.
Community health worker Asha Mohamed, who regularly leads sessions at Forilow, says stories like Halimo’s inspire her team. “We can see the difference — fewer malnourished children, more mothers coming for check-ups, and stronger families overall,” she said. “Programs like Baxnaano show that when you empower mothers, you improve the whole community.”
Knowledge That Lasts a Lifetime
For Halimo, the most valuable gift Baxnaano gave her isn’t financial — it’s knowledge. “Before, I didn’t know how to take care of my children properly,” she said. “Now I understand nutrition, hygiene, and why it’s important to visit the clinic regularly.”
She also feels more at peace. “The money helps us today,” she said softly, “but the lessons will help us for life.”
Halimo dreams that her children will grow up strong, healthy, and educated. Her oldest daughter wants to become a nurse — inspired, perhaps, by the care and kindness she’s seen at the clinic. “I tell my children education is the key,” she added. “Just like health, it gives you a better life.”
The Bigger Picture: Building a Healthier Future
Wasiila Caafimaad, part of the broader Baxnaano Program, represents a national commitment to health equity and social protection in Somalia. By reaching mothers like Halimo, the initiative bridges critical gaps in maternal and child healthcare — helping families make informed health choices while reducing the effects of poverty and malnutrition.
Across Somalia, thousands of women are following similar paths — attending awareness sessions, receiving support, and transforming their families’ well-being. The program’s integrated approach connects financial assistance with education and healthcare access, ensuring that no child is left behind because of circumstance.
Through collaboration between MoLSA, the Ministry of Health, and the World Bank, the program continues to strengthen Somalia’s foundation for long-term resilience — empowering families, promoting inclusion, and nurturing a generation that values both health and hope.
A Mother’s Hope
Halimo’s journey is one of courage, perseverance, and transformation. From struggling to feed her children to becoming a source of knowledge in her community, her story embodies what Baxnaano stands for: empowerment through inclusion, education, and opportunity.
“I want my children to have opportunities that I never had,” she said, her eyes bright with determination. “Baxnaano has given me hope and peace of mind. Now, I believe their future can be different.”
Her words reflect the heart of the program — that lasting change begins when people are given the tools to care for themselves and their families.
This story was collected under the Health and Nutrition (Wasiila Caafimaad) component of the Baxnaano Program, implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and supported by the World Bank.