Health
Caring for Somali patients: a guide for doctors, nurses and carers
Most Somali patients are Muslim and see health as a family matter, so relatives often come to appointments and many patients prefer a doctor or interpreter of the same sex. Fasting in Ramadan, halal medicines and trust around vaccines all shape care. Screening of Somali refugees in Minnesota found high rates of latent TB, anaemia and diabetes.
In short
Somali patients are as varied as any other group. Still, some patterns come up often in clinics in Somalia and abroad. Ask each patient what they prefer, and do not assume (Minnesota Department of Health, below).
The main US guide is the Somali Refugee Health Profile. It was first written by the CDC and has been kept by the Minnesota Center of Excellence in Newcomer Health since March 2024 (Minnesota Department of Health, Somali Refugee Health Profile; CDC, 2018 edition).
Family and faith
- Family comes first. "Somali culture is more focused on the family than on the individual." Wives, husbands and children often come to appointments, and elders may be consulted on big decisions (Minnesota Department of Health).
- Same-sex care. Many Somali Muslims prefer a doctor, nurse or interpreter of the same sex. Ask early, and book accordingly (Minnesota Department of Health).
- God's will. In Islam, the time of death is known only to God. When a patient is dying, it is best not to give a timeframe (EthnoMed, Somali cultural profile).
- Bad news goes to the family first. Families often expect to hear a poor prognosis before the patient, so they can prepare and comfort them. Religious leaders are usually called when a serious illness is found (EthnoMed).
- Ramadan. Many adults fast from dawn to dusk for a month. Plan doses before dawn and after sunset where it is safe (Minnesota Department of Health).
- Halal medicines. Some patients avoid capsules made with pork gelatin. Offer an alternative when one exists (Minnesota Department of Health).
For the faith itself, see Islam in Somalia.
Language and interpreters
Use a trained medical interpreter. Ask whether the patient wants an interpreter of the same gender or background (Minnesota Department of Health). Somali has several dialects, and Maay speakers from the south may not follow standard Somali well; see the Somali language.
Conditions to screen for
Minnesota screened newly arrived Somali refugees from 1999 to 2016 (Minnesota Department of Health):
| Condition | Finding |
|---|---|
| Latent tuberculosis | 43% of those screened |
| Active tuberculosis | 2% |
| Intestinal parasites | 18% had at least one |
| Hepatitis B (HBsAg) | 7% |
| Anaemia | 19% of women, 7% of men |
| Raised lead in children | about 20% above 5 µg/dL |
One clinic study found diabetes in 12.1% of Somali patients, against 5.3% of other patients (Minnesota Department of Health).
Vaccines and trust
Some Somali families in Minnesota worried that the MMR vaccine causes autism. This is not true, but coverage among Somali two-year-olds there fell from 91% in 2004 to 54% in 2010 (Minnesota Department of Health).
In spring 2017, Minnesota had a measles outbreak. Of the 65 cases confirmed by 31 May, 55 (85%) were US-born children of Somali descent (CDC, MMWR, July 2017). Clinicians are advised to discuss vaccines with cultural humility and to build trust with families and community leaders (Minnesota Department of Health).
Female genital cutting
Up to 98% of women in Somalia have been cut, by the profile's estimate (Minnesota Department of Health). The profile lists it among the priority conditions for Somali patients, and notes it "remains ingrained in Somali culture" despite laws against it. For figures from Somalia, see Health in Somalia; for one Somali leader's campaign against it, see Edna Adan Ismail.
Mental health
Many Somalis have lived through war, flight and camp life. A survey in Melkadida camp in Ethiopia found depressive symptoms in 38.3% of adults (Minnesota Department of Health). Distress is often described through the body, as headaches, chest pain, forgetfulness, poor sleep and nightmares. Mental health (caafimaadka maskaxda) is still a fairly new idea for many Somalis (EthnoMed, Somali mental health). Some believe illness can come from the evil eye but may not say so (EthnoMed). Patients may also see traditional or religious healers (Minnesota Department of Health).
I want to help
In 2014 Somalia had about one doctor for every 20,000 people, the latest World Bank figure (see Health in Somalia). Nurses, midwives and doctors who know Somali patients can do a great deal, at home or abroad. If you are a health worker and want to help, start at Join.
Sources
- Minnesota Department of Health, Center of Excellence in Newcomer Health. Somali Refugee Health Profile, updated March 2024.
- CDC (2018). Somali Refugee Health Profile.
- CDC (2017). Measles outbreak, Minnesota, April to May 2017. MMWR 66(27).
- EthnoMed, University of Washington. Somali cultural profile and Somali mental health.
Sources
- Minnesota Department of Health, Somali Refugee Health Profile · health.state.mn.us
- CDC, 2018 edition · stacks.cdc.gov
- EthnoMed, Somali cultural profile · ethnomed.org
- CDC, MMWR, July 2017 · cdc.gov
- EthnoMed, Somali mental health · ethnomed.org
Toosoo!
Calankii is made by Toosoo, which works for one united, prosperous Somalia.
Can you help with Caring for Somali patients: a guide for doctors, nurses and carers? Tell us what you can give.
I want to help with this
Same era
- Australia18,401 people of Somali ancestry and 8,101 born in Somalia lived in Australia at the 2021 Census, more than half in Victoria. History, work, issues.
- Birmingham (Somali diaspora)About 17,000 to 21,600 Somalis live in Birmingham (Census 2021), mostly in Nechells, Newtown, Small Heath and Alum Rock. History, work, health and ties home.
- Bristol (Somali diaspora)9,167 people in Bristol identified as Somali or Somalilander in Census 2021, the city's largest minority group. Where they live, work, housing, leaders and ties home.
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada2,845 people of Somali origin lived in Calgary at the 2021 Census, plus 890 in Brooks. How they came, who serves them and what they face.
- Denmark (Somali diaspora)21,885 people of Somali origin lived in Denmark in 2026, half born there. Numbers, history, work, permit reviews, and ties home.
- DjiboutiAbout 13,900 refugees from Somalia live in Djibouti (Aug 2026): numbers since 1990, Ali Addeh, Holl-Holl, the 2017 refugee law, Arta 2000 and 2025 returns.
Keep reading
- Health in Somalia: the key numbers for mothers, children and familiesHealth in Somalia in numbers: child and maternal deaths, births, vaccines, nutrition, water and costs, from the 2020 national survey and the World Bank.
- Female genital cutting in Somalia: how common it is, what the law says, and what is changingFemale genital cutting (gudniinka) in Somalia: survey figures, the types, why families continue it, what the Constitution and religious rulings say, and change.
- Hospitals in Somalia by city: Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, Kismayo, Baidoa and GalkayoThe main public and private hospitals in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, Kismayo, Baidoa and Galkayo, who supports them, and what care costs.
- Mental health in Somalia and Somaliland: services, numbers and chainingMental health in Somalia and Somaliland: how many psychiatrists, which hospitals and centres exist, chaining, khat, the Habeeb centres and the new plans.