Primary health care in northwestern Somalia: a case study.

This paper examines the problem of initiating health care programmes in areas where there is no effective infrastructure. The problem is examined using Northwestern Somalia as a case study. The project focussed on the establishment of well-trained and well-supported CHWs at the community level. Many of these communities are (semi-)nomadic. The roles of middle-level management staff, community leaders and committees, CHW remuneration and health effects of the project are discussed.